Iran to join OIC meeting in Istanbul as tensions with Israel escalate

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to take part in a special session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul on Saturday, a Turkish foreign ministry source said, amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, Reuters reported.

The 51st Council of Foreign Ministers is set to focus on Israel’s recent strikes on Iranian territory, including Thursday’s attack on the Khondab nuclear facility in Arak.

The Israeli army confirmed it had targeted a partially constructed heavy-water reactor at the site, which experts believe could be used to produce weapons-grade plutonium.

Turkey has strongly condemned Israel’s actions, labelling them illegal and asserting that Iran was acting in self-defence.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to open the two-day gathering by urging Muslim nations to respond collectively to what he described as “destabilising actions” across the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will also address the summit. The OIC, which brings together 57 member states, has long functioned as a platform for political and diplomatic engagement among Muslim-majority countries.