OIC in Istanbul: Emergency session called at Iran's request on conflict with Israel

(Patria) - At the request of the Islamic Republic of Iran, within the framework of the 51st session of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), a special session will be held dedicated to the Iranian-Israeli conflict. The closed-door meeting is scheduled for Saturday evening in Istanbul, sources from the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed.

Given the escalation of violence between Iran and Israel, the initiative to convene a special session comes at a sensitive time for the region, as well as for the wider international community. Iran has formally requested a discussion on, as it states, Israeli aggression against its nuclear and military capabilities, as well as on the international consequences of Israeli attacks.

Turkey, as one of the OIC's founding members, is hosting the regular 51st session of the OIC Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, which is being held under the theme: "OIC in a Changing World". A record participation is expected: 43 foreign ministers, 5 deputy ministers, and approximately a thousand guests in total.

Representatives of almost 30 international organizations are also present at the gathering, including: the United Nations (UN), the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Black Sea Economic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Organization of Turkic States, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Holding this meeting in Istanbul further positions Turkey as a key diplomatic actor in the Muslim world, especially at a time when the offensive in Gaza is ongoing and tensions with Iran are rising. Turkish officials have announced that they will use their hosting role to call for de-escalation, solidarity, and a joint response from Muslim countries.

Details from the closed-door meeting on the Iranian-Israeli conflict are expected on Saturday evening and could have a significant impact on the further direction of the crisis.