The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers gathered in Istanbul on Saturday, with member states unanimously denouncing Israel’s military actions in Gaza and Iran. The ministers demanded an immediate ceasefire and stressed the need for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate tensions. OIC Chairperson Hissein Brahim Taha, in his opening remarks, warned that the Middle East faces a dangerous new wave of conflict and urged dialogue between Iran and Israel.
Representatives from over 40 countries, including Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar, attended the session. Türkiye officially assumed the OIC chairmanship for the next three years, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasizing the importance of Muslim unity. He condemned Israel’s attacks on Gaza and Iran, stating that divided Muslims cannot overcome global challenges.
Fidan called for a two-state solution for Palestine and reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to fighting injustice worldwide. He also welcomed the ceasefire between Pakistan and India but stressed that lasting peace in South Asia depends on resolving the Kashmir dispute. The OIC session included special discussions on Israel’s assaults on Gaza and the Iran-Israel conflict, with Türkiye’s president set to address the ministers.
The meeting highlighted the OIC’s unified stance against Israeli aggression, with member states urging international intervention to prevent further escalation. The ministers also reviewed the situation in Iran, with Pakistan expected to present its official position. The conference underscored the need for collective action to address conflicts affecting the Muslim world.