ISTANBUL: The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is holding a highly anticipated summit in Istanbul on Saturday, as tensions soar between Israel and Iran, prompting urgent calls for unity and coordinated action among Muslim-majority nations.
The summit, convening under the theme “The OIC in a Transforming World,” has drawn an unprecedented level of participation. Over 40 foreign ministers from the 57 OIC member states are expected to attend, alongside more than 1,000 delegates — marking the highest turnout in the organisation’s history.
Ahead of the 51st session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers, the Arab League’s extraordinary council of ministers is also meeting in Istanbul, further highlighting the gravity of the regional crisis.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is participating in both meetings, where the ongoing Israeli strikes on Iranian targets — including critical infrastructure — are set to dominate the agenda.
The summit is being hosted by Turkey, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan scheduled to deliver the opening remarks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is also expected to address attendees, reinforcing Ankara’s call for a unified Islamic response.
Foreign ministers from countries including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Iraq, Indonesia, Algeria, Libya, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Djibouti, and Azerbaijan are attending the summit.
Discussions will centre on Israel’s recent military actions, rising regional instability, and the broader implications for Middle Eastern and global security. Leaders are expected to deliberate on joint measures and diplomatic strategies to de-escalate the crisis and support regional peace efforts.
The Istanbul summit is viewed as a critical opportunity for the Muslim world to present a united front amid one of the most volatile geopolitical periods in recent memory.
