[Scholar: Turkey's Support for Saudi Arabia May Remain "Defensive"] Ismail Numan Terci, a professor at Ibn Khaldun University in Turkey, stated that Turkey's role in supporting Saudi Arabia's response to Houthi attacks is likely to be "defensive, technical, and probably indirect." He pointed out that Turkish Foreign Minister Fida previously emphasized "technical issues" when discussing Riyadh's military needs, reflecting Turkey's strengths in areas such as "air defense systems, anti-drone and electronic warfare capabilities, radar and surveillance systems, and maritime security." Turkey can also play a diplomatic role in helping to de-escalate the ongoing conflict. Turkey can utilize its communication channels with Tehran and the wider region, channels that "Washington lacks"; furthermore, Fida's experience in conflict mediation will also be valuable. Regarding the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, Terci stated that its activation is "possible in principle, but more complex in practice," emphasizing that the Turkish and Pakistani parliaments still need to complete the ratification process.
