As the U.S. signals a smaller Middle East footprint, Turkey is ready to step in — Live Feedhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/as-the-u-s-signals-a-smaller-middle-east-footprint-turkey-is-ready-to-step-inContinuously updated, source-cited coverage. Turkey Seeks Regional Influence as U.S. Reduces Middle East Presencehttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/as-the-u-s-signals-a-smaller-middle-east-footprint-turkey-is-ready-to-step-inhttps://www.live-feeds.com/feed/as-the-u-s-signals-a-smaller-middle-east-footprint-turkey-is-ready-to-step-in#u101261Mon, 05 Oct 2026 04:00:23 +0000Turkey is positioning itself as a dominant Middle Eastern power following signals from the United States of a reduced regional footprint. To expand its influence, Turkey entered a trilateral defense agreement with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan on August 7, creating a "Sunni Security Triad" that combines Saudi oil wealth, Turkish military capabilities, and Pakistani nuclear assets. This strategic shift occurs amid severe regional instability, including the aftermath of the Hamas-led 2023 attack on Israel and a stalemated war with Iran that has lasted seven months.Why it mattersThe shift i