“Islamic NATO” on the Table

WANA (Sep 17) – Pakistan’s Defense Minister has called for the creation of an “Islamic military force” modeled after NATO — a proposal now gaining traction among key Muslim-majority countries including Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Turkey.

Speaking to Geo News after an emergency Arab-Islamic summit in Doha on Tuesday, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif stressed that “Muslim nations must form an Islamic NATO to confront shared threats and external dangers.” He pointed to Israel’s recent attack on Qatar as proof of the urgent need for such an alliance, claiming the strike was carried out “with Washington’s green light.”

Asif went on to criticize the West’s role in destabilizing the Middle East, citing U.S. involvement in the creation of al-Qaeda, the transfer of Osama bin Laden from Sudan, and regime-change efforts in Syria.

OIC. Social Media / WANA News Agency

Rising Support for an “Islamic NATO”

The proposal has sparked wide debate across the Muslim world, with several regional leaders voicing strong support:

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi suggested the alliance be headquartered in Cairo, pledging up to 20,000 troops.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emphasized the need for regional defense independence and closer cooperation in defense industries.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani warned that Israel’s attack on Qatar may not be the last, adding: “There is no reason Muslim nations cannot create a joint security force to defend themselves.”

Obstacles Ahead

Despite the momentum, analysts note that many Muslim countries maintain deep military and security ties with foreign powers — especially the United States — potentially undermining the independence and cohesion of any such collective defense pact.

Still, the recent escalation has injected new urgency into the idea of an “Islamic NATO,” which, if realized, could dramatically reshape the security landscape of the Middle East and the wider Muslim world.