The Central Treaty Organisation, originally known as the Baghdad Pact or the Middle East Treaty Organisation, was a military alliance of the Cold War. It was formed in 1955 by Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and the United Kingdom and dissolved in 1979.

Why was CENTO formed?

Similar to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Southeast Asia Treaty Organization, the main purpose of the Baghdad Pact was to prevent communist incursions and foster peace in the Middle East. It was renamed the Central Treaty Organization, or CENTO, in 1959 after Iraq pulled out of the Pact.

When was the CENTO treaty signed?

The Baghdad Pact signed on 24 February 1955 becomes the Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO). Full members: Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Turkey and United Kingdom. Associate member: United States. Its headquarters is set up in Ankara.