Turkey is in advanced discussions to join the strategic defense agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, according to a Geo News report. The talks have reportedly progressed significantly, and a formal agreement could follow. The existing pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia stipulates that an attack on one will be considered an attack on both nations.

The report suggests that Turkey’s potential inclusion could pave the way for a new security alliance, potentially altering the balance of power in the Middle East and beyond. The discussions come at a time when questions have been raised about the reliability of the United States as a security partner.

Pakistan and Turkey already share a long-standing military relationship, collaborating on several defense projects. Ankara has supplied corvette warships to Pakistan’s navy and is working with both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on drone technology and a fifth-generation fighter jet program. The original Pakistan-Saudi agreement, known as the SMDA, was signed on September 17 of the previous year during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Saudi Arabia.