Ankara is laying the groundwork for a broader regional alliance, with Turkiye's top diplomat expressing confidence that Egypt will soon formalize its participation in a newly signed joint defence agreement. The pact, inked Friday by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan, comes amid escalating conflict between the United States and Iran that has disrupted shipping lanes and drawn in multiple nations. Main Developments Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told state news agency Anadolu that Egypt is a "natural partner on all issues" and predicted its inclusion in the "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement" at the next stage. He noted that only a few technical hurdles remain, saying, "Once these are implemented, there is no reason for Egypt not to be part of it." Fidan emphasized that the agreement does not target any specific nation, stating, "There is no common threat that we have put in writing." Pakistan's foreign ministry, however, framed the pact as a mutual defence commitment, announcing that an attack on any member would be treated as an attack on all, aimed at "strengthening collective deterrence." Read also: 3 key takeaways from Pezeshkian's rare meeting with Iran's new supreme leader Background The agreement was signed against the backdrop of the US-Iran war, which has emboldened Iran and its Houthi allies in Yemen, both of which have launched attacks on Saudi Arabia. A drone strike last month also hit US assets at an Egyptian port on the Mediterranean, underscoring the conflict's widening reach. The war has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, key global trade routes. Fidan described the pact as "the most important step toward bringing lasting stability to this region," and hinted at further expansion. "Under our president's vision, we should not remain limited to three countries. We should grow and, if necessary, bring all countries under this umbrella," he added. Why It Matters The potential inclusion of Egypt would significantly extend the alliance's geographic and strategic reach, particularly given its control of the Suez Canal and its Mediterranean coastline. The pact's mutual defence clause mirrors NATO's Article 5, signalling a shift toward deeper military cooperation among key regional players. For the broader region, this could reshape security dynamics, especially as Iran's influence and attacks on Gulf states continue to escalate. What's Next Fidan expressed confidence that Egypt will join once the remaining technical issues are resolved, though no timeline was given. The alliance's expansion beyond three members appears likely, with Fidan suggesting that all countries in the region could eventually come under its umbrella. Observers will be watching for Egypt's official response and any further diplomatic moves to formalize its participation.