Baghdad Pact (CENTO)

24 February 1955 · Baghdad

Cold War & arms control

Background

Members were Turkey, Iraq, Pakistan, Iran and Britain, with the USA as an associate. Iraq left after its 1958 revolution, and the pact became CENTO. It ended in 1979 after Iran's revolution and Pakistan's withdrawal.

Signed by

Turkey and Iraq first; then Britain, Pakistan and Iran

Why it matters

A Western-backed defence alliance; renamed the Central Treaty Organization (CENTO) after Iraq left in 1959, with its headquarters moved to Ankara. Dissolved in 1979.