Top officials from Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to meet in Istanbul
Foreign, defence ministers and military chiefs from three countries to meet for first time since signing Mecca pact.

Foreign, defence ministers and military chiefs from three countries to meet for first time since signing Mecca pact.





![Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz are visible near the beach of Bandar Abbas, Iran, August 28, 2026. [Majid Asgaripour/WANA via Reuters]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-08-28T125017Z_430861520_RC2I7NAOVQB7_RTRMADP_3_IRAN-CRISIS-HORMUZ-1787952814.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)



As Washington pressures Tehran, Gulf states weigh sanctions against the risk of escalation.

France and Saudi Arabia plan to invest $7bn in three amusement parks near Paris, including one based on Japanese manga.
Theme park project is among a raft of deals spanning energy, defence, AI and tourism signed during MBS’s visit to Paris.
Saudi shipping company Bahri confirmed its vessel was struck; all crew members are safe.
Saudi crown prince and French president are set to sign several agreements on health, transport and energy.

Saudi Arabia, which founded the event, is spending billions to become a global gaming and esports power.
Energy, regional conflicts, and bilateral cooperation to dominate Emmanuel Macron and Mohammed bin Salman’s discussions.
Omani and Iranian foreign ministers hold a call as Washington prepares economic sanctions.