Turkey and Saudi Arabia have stepped up quiet diplomatic and security coordination amid rising regional uncertainty, as United States President Donald Trump publicly questioned the reliability of traditional Gulf allies and signaled they may be sidelined in any future military action against Iran.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on February 3 in what officials described as a high-level strategic dialogue, marking a notable shift in relations between the two former regional rivals. The talks focused on security cooperation, energy coordination, and expanding trade ties as tensions escalate across the Middle East.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the leaders explored collaboration in oil and petrochemicals, renewable energy investments, and the possibility of a free trade agreement between Turkey and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The meeting reflects growing convergence between Ankara and Riyadh as both countries reassess their regional strategies.

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The diplomatic outreach comes against the backdrop of increasingly strained U.S.–ally relations. President Trump has openly criticized Gulf partners, questioned their dependability, and suggested they may not be included in U.S. strike planning should Washington move against Iran. These remarks have unsettled regional capitals already wary of being drawn into a wider conflict.

Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates are reported to have expressed opposition to direct participation in any military confrontation with Iran. Turkey, meanwhile, has warned against further escalation and has begun drafting contingency plans to manage potential refugee flows should instability spread from Iran.

Analysts see the Erdoğan–MBS meeting as part of a broader recalibration in the Middle East, where regional powers are seeking to bolster their own security arrangements and economic partnerships amid uncertainty over U.S. policy and the risk of a wider regional conflict.

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