As US eyes Iran strike, ‘Islamic NATO’ buzz returns – Is a new military axis forming? | World News

Washington: As the US increases its military presence ahead of a possible attack on Iran, the debate on establishing an Arab-Islamic military alliance similar to NATO has returned to regional discussions. The idea of ​​a collective security bloc of Muslim nations first attracted attention in September 2024, when Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for unity against ever-expanding Israeli threats.

A year later, in September 2025, Pakistan’s defense minister publicly supported the creation of an “Islamic NATO,” lending political weight to the proposal. Momentum around the concept grew after Pakistan and Saudi Arabia signed a defense cooperation agreement on September 17 last year.

Erdogan’s recent visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt have further intensified speculations in the Arab media about whether the groundwork for such an alliance is being prepared.

While some analysts believe the diplomatic assistance signals progress toward a structured coalition, others warn that Riyadh has so far shown no official intention to form a military bloc with Türkiye and Pakistan. The feasibility of forming such an alliance is also under review.

Regional reports suggest that any future grouping could include Türkiye, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Indonesia. London-based Rai al-Youm newspaper reported that Erdogan’s visits to Riyadh and Cairo aimed to explore a political and military partnership centered on the three countries, with participation later expanded to include Pakistan and Indonesia.

Turkish media outlets also noted the rise of a regional agreement between Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia due to closer political ties and converging policy views. Some observers interpret these developments not as evidence of an eventual alliance, but as an improvement in regional understanding.

Arab defense observers see the warming ties between Cairo, Riyadh and Ankara as a sign of a new phase in political cooperation built on common interests and conflict management. Still, they say the coordination has so far not translated into a comprehensive strategic coalition. Security experts believe that close Egypt-Türkiye interaction could continue to be the basis for a broader Arab-Islamic harmony that could provide solutions to regional instability.

The idea of ​​a joint alliance has resurfaced several times in recent months, especially after Israel’s military operations in Gaza and the brief but intense 12-day conflict with Iran. Regional commentary suggests that a coalition of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, Turkey and Qatar could help restore strategic balance and strengthen collective security in times of conflict.

Some experts call this possibility historically significant, arguing that such coordination could counter rival regional energy projects. Turkish analysts emphasize that matching Israel’s military capabilities will require long-term investment, integrated planning and deep operational cooperation.

Geopolitical concerns also influence the conversation. Commentators point to American and Israeli contingency planning against Iran’s nuclear program and regional reach as a factor influencing Türkiye’s security thinking. Israel’s tripartite partnership with Greece and Cyprus has increased Ankara’s strategic concerns. It also strengthened calls in Turkish policy circles for closer regional coordination.

Türkiye’s diplomatic messages are increasingly focusing on unity and cooperation rather than official bloc politics. Before Erdogan’s recent visits, the idea of ​​a “Muslim NATO” was discussed extensively in the local media. Since then the emphasis has turned to building regional harmony.

Türkiye’s foreign minister advocated the creation of a forum designed to strengthen trust and stability between neighboring countries, drawing comparisons with the gradual development of the European Union. Pro-government media portray the proposed alignment as a potential game changer that could limit Israel’s regional ambitions.

Recent diplomatic messages also show increasing policy alignment between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Egypt on issues related to Iran, Syria, Gaza and Palestine. Military cooperation followed political participation. Türkiye expanded defense ties with both Cairo and Riyadh. This includes plans to export $35 million worth of military equipment to Egypt and establish munitions production lines there. Saudi Arabia is also interested in Türkiye’s fighter jet program as an investor and potential buyer.

Despite increased participation, major obstacles remain. Efforts to establish joint Arab or Islamic defense structures have historically struggled to move beyond declarations. Most past agreements were never fully implemented and were largely symbolic. In many cases, signatory states subsequently found themselves in direct or indirect conflict with each other.

Analysts say trilateral coordination between Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia has improved but still lacks a binding strategic alliance. Differences remain regarding political transitions, regional governance models and approaches to conflict.

Former Egyptian diplomats believe resistance from the United States and Israel could complicate any attempt to formalize the bloc. Turkish analysts also warn that lobby networks in Washington may be working to slow or prevent such a formation.

Researchers tracking Arab-Eurasian security trends assess that the most realistic outcome may be a flexible coordination mechanism rather than a rigid institutional alliance. A loose understanding of security based on common interests and situational cooperation seems more achievable in the near term than a fully structured military organization modeled on NATO.