Turkey expresses readiness to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia

On September 20, 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Turkey is prepared to provide military and technical support to Saudi Arabia, citing the kingdom's ongoing defense needs amid persistent attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen. In an interview with NTV, Fidan emphasized that this assistance would be rendered within the framework of the Makkah Agreement, which establishes a formal alliance between the two nations.

Fidan strongly criticized any potential involvement of Saudi Arabia in a broader U.S.-Iran conflict, describing such a scenario as unacceptable given the kingdom's stated desire to remain neutral. While noting that Turkey has relayed various proposals to all relevant parties to de-escalate regional tensions and end ongoing hostilities, the minister did not provide specific details regarding these diplomatic initiatives. He expressed hope that these efforts would be accepted, warning that the economic consequences of the current regional instability have reached a critical threshold.

Furthermore, Fidan warned of Turkey's regional military posture, asserting that his country remains vigilant against any "irrational" actions by neighboring states, specifically mentioning Greece. He reiterated that Turkey's strength is widely recognized and would be utilized if necessary to protect its interests.