Arab and Islamic Nations Unite Against Israeli Military Attacks on Iran

Strategic Insights -

A joint statement issued by 21 foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic nations condemned Israel's military attacks on the Islamic Republic of Iran, deeming them a serious threat to regional stability and a blatant breach of international law. The June 13, 2025 attacks, dubbed "Operation Rising Lion" by Israel, targeted multiple Iranian facilities, including military bases and nuclear infrastructure. Iran responded with "Operation True Promise-3", a multi-phase retaliatory campaign involving missile and drone attacks that targeted southern Israel. The statement marked a rare alignment among nations across ideological divides, with many traditionally on different sides of regional conflicts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The joint statement condemned Israel's military attacks on Iran as a serious threat to regional stability and a blatant breach of international law.
  • The foreign ministers of 21 Arab and Islamic nations endorsed the statement, including Algeria, Bahrain, Brunei, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
  • The statement called for an immediate halt to Israeli hostilities, a comprehensive ceasefire, and urgent steps toward de-escalation.
  • The foreign ministers emphasized the need to respect Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to adhere to the principles of good neighborliness and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
  • The ministers also urged all parties to return to the negotiation table to reach a sustainable agreement on Iran's nuclear program.
  • The statement highlighted the importance of protecting international maritime security, especially in sensitive waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb.
  • The ministers called for an end to actions that threaten freedom of navigation, a veiled reference to both Israeli naval operations and recent US military maneuvers in the Persian Gulf.

Statistics:

  • 21 foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic nations issued a joint statement condemning Israel's military attacks on Iran.
  • Israel's "Operation Rising Lion" targeted multiple Iranian facilities, including military bases and nuclear infrastructure.
  • Iran's "Operation True Promise-3" responded with missile and drone attacks that targeted southern Israel.
  • The joint statement was endorsed by the foreign ministers of 21 Arab and Islamic nations.

Sources:

  • Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement (https://www.mfa.gov.eg/ar/Ministers/Details/StatementsAndWordsOfTheMinisterOfForeignAffairs/2293)
  • MFA Egypt statement (https://www.mfa.gov.eg/ar/Ministers/Details/StatementsAndWordsOfTheMinisterOfForeignAffairs/2293)
  • Russian Gazeta (https://www.gazeta.ru/army/news/2025/06/17/26049230.shtml)
  • The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/13/iran-vows-revenge-for-israeli-strikes-saying-it-will-write-end-of-this-story)