BREAKING NEWS: Islamic NATO against Israel!

MILLİYET.COM.TR / Following Israel 's attack on the Hamas negotiators' compound in Doha , the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an extraordinary meeting in Qatar and are facing a historic agenda that could shake the balance in the Middle East. The summit brought up discussions on a NATO-style mutual defense pact, spearheaded by Iran and Egypt.

In an analysis by US-based Newsweek magazine, the Qatar summit stood out as the most serious attempt to establish a "joint Islamic army," an idea that has been touted among Muslim countries for years but never materialized . While the Iranian and Egyptian Foreign Ministries refrained from making direct statements, behind-the-scenes reports indicated a stronger resolve this time around.

'THE MIDDLE EAST IS ISRAEL'S CLEAR TARGET'

The analysis stated that a series of developments in recent months have pushed Muslim leaders to take more drastic action. Israel's 12-day attacks on Iranian targets at the beginning of the year, the bombings in Gaza, and most recently, the assassination attempt on the Hamas delegation in Doha, have once again highlighted Israel as the primary factor destabilizing the region.

Officials emphasized that if action is not taken, Middle Eastern countries will become vulnerable targets for further Israeli attacks. Therefore, the summit in Qatar was described as "a turning point that will determine whether the call for unity will translate into genuine military cooperation."

'ISLAMIC NATO' SIGNAL FROM IRAN

Egypt, the country with the Arab world's largest army, has proposed a joint military command based in Cairo, while Iran has signaled a strong case for an "Islamic NATO" by calling for a more comprehensive defense pact .

'A JOINT ARMY MUST BE ESTABLISHED'

Former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohsen Rezaei said, "Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Iraq could be the next targets. The only solution is to form a military coalition." Senior cleric Jalal Razavi-Mehr, on the other hand, emphasized the need to establish "a single Islamic army with a common doctrine." Mehdi Shoushtari of the Iranian Foreign Ministry, while arguing that it was still early, noted that current conditions were "much more favorable" than in the past.

'A TASK FORCE MUST BE ESTABLISHED'

Pakistan, the only Muslim country with a nuclear force, also proposed the establishment of a "joint task force" at the summit. Pakistan declared the need for "coordinated deterrent and offensive measures" against Israel. Meanwhile, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani described Israel's attack in Doha as "an attack on the principle of mediation ." Al Thani accused the international community of failing to restrain Israel and called on Muslim countries to "take real and concrete measures ."

The US's guarantorship is being questioned

Israel's attack in Doha has also called into question Washington's role as the region's "security guarantor." The US administration was reportedly "disturbed" by the attack but did not issue an official condemnation. US President Donald Trump issued a cautious statement, saying, "Qatar is a great ally. Everyone, including Israel, must be careful."

On the other hand, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's visit to Israel and meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu once again exposed the gap between Arab capitals and Washington's support for Tel Aviv.

It can change the balance of power

The 57-member OIC has largely limited itself to symbolic declarations until now. However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian's participation in the summit indicates Tehran's greater resolve this time around. Analysts say the decision to establish an "Islamic NATO" where countries can find common ground could radically alter not only the balance of power in the Middle East but also the US's role in the region.