Amid escalating clashes between Iran and Israel, Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of Afghanistan, warned at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) foreign ministers' meeting in Istanbul that the Islamic world now faces a historic test.

He urged Islamic countries not to remain silent in the face of critical regional developments and to play a decisive role. In his speech, Muttaqi condemned the recent Israeli attacks on Iran, stating they were “blatant violations of international law.”

The acting foreign minister said, “As the Islamic world, we have the opportunity now to unite based on our shared Islamic values. The Islamic world is confronted with emerging challenges that threaten our development and reconstruction path.”

Muttaqi also expressed that Afghanistan is currently on a path toward independence, stability, and reconstruction. Under the Islamic system, he said, “Afghanistan has made unprecedented progress in unity, security, institutional strengthening, economic growth, and the renewal of foreign relations, in accordance with Islamic guidance and Sharia.”

On the sidelines of the meeting, he met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, describing Turkey as an important partner in Afghanistan’s foreign policy and emphasizing the expansion of bilateral relations between Kabul and Ankara.

Former diplomat Aziz Maraj commented, “The meetings with the foreign ministers of Turkey, Syria, and other countries present a good opportunity for the Afghan people—if they present a proper and persuasive program, these countries can effectively lobby the world.”

In the final communique of the 51st OIC foreign ministers’ meeting, Israel’s destabilizing policies in the region were strongly criticized. Its attacks on Iran, Syria, and Lebanon were described as “blatant violations of international law.” Over 40 foreign ministers from Islamic countries attended the session.