Representing 57 Muslim Nations, Quiet On Iran Strikes: Exclusive On ‘Ineffective’ Islamic Body OIC

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Last Updated:June 23, 2025, 13:23 IST

“It is an eye-opener for the Muslim world. It shows the OIC is a failed body and has nothing substantive to deliver. It faces systemic failures,” said intelligence sources

This handout satellite picture provided by Maxar Technologies shows the Isfahan nuclear enrichment facility in central Iran. (AFP)

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) silence on Gaza and now Iran attacks have raised questions on the ability of the body that represents 57 Muslim majority nations and 1.9 billion people, according to top intelligence sources.

“It is an eye-opener for the Muslim world. It shows the OIC is a failed body and has nothing substantive to deliver. It faces systemic failures," said sources.

“They failed to defend Muslim interests during crises such as the Gaza genocide, Israeli attacks on Iran, and persecution of Uyghurs," they said.

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THE PROBLEMS: WHAT SOURCES SAY

One of the OIC’s major shortcomings is its lack of enforcement powers and a collective defence mechanism. The organisation operates on consensus, which is often divided and largely symbolic. Political rivalries, especially between Saudi Arabia and Iran, have obstructed unified action, particularly regarding groups like Hamas.

Since 2023, the OIC has passed over 31 resolutions against Israel, yet these remain non-binding and ineffective, with no sanctions or meaningful outcomes. Many member states have deep ties with the U.S. and Europe, providing military bases, trade, and aid, which discourages confrontation with Israel.

The normalisation of relations with Israel by countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Türkiye further undermines Muslim solidarity. Notably, trade between these nations and Israel continued even during violent escalations.

The OIC’s silence on China’s treatment of Uyghurs reflects its economic dependence on China. In fact, 28 OIC members have openly supported China’s policies in Xinjiang. Trade between OIC countries remains low at 20.36%, limiting economic unity and reinforcing reliance on Western and Chinese partnerships.

Sectarian divisions, particularly Sunni-Shia tensions, have also contributed to the OIC’s inaction. Gulf states, for example, remained passive during Israeli strikes on Iran. Major failures of the OIC include its ineffectiveness during the Gaza genocide, where 48,500 lives were lost, its silence on the bombings of Iranian facilities, and its praise for China amid reports of Uyghur internment camps.

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