The German news agency, Deutsche Welle, posted the following:

Is the Middle East about to get an ‘Islamic NATO’?
25 September 2025
There was very little the Gulf state of Qatar could have done against the ballistic missiles Israel fired at it around two weeks ago. …
“The Israeli strike … shakes Gulf assumptions about their ties to the US and will bring them closer together,” Kristin Diwan, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, wrote shortly after the attack. “These oil monarchies are too much alike … such a direct strike on their sovereignty and perceived safety is anathema to them all.”
As a result, “Gulf rulers are pressing ahead with the pursuit of greater strategic autonomy and are increasingly determined to hedge against the risks of depending on the US,” Sanam Vakil, director of Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa program, confirmed in an op-ed in UK newspaper, The Guardian, this month.
All of this is why, over the past week or so, there’s been growing talk of the formation of an “Islamic NATO,” a defense alliance of Islamic and Arab states that could work similarly to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, or NATO.
At an emergency summit organized by the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation last week, Egyptian officials suggested a NATO-style, joint task force for Arab nations. In a speech at the summit, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani also called for a collective approach to regional security. And the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — said they would activate a provision in a joint defense agreement, first signed in 2000, that said an attack on one member state was an attack on all.
The phrasing is similar to that used in Article 5 of the NATO pact. …
Saudi Arabia announced it was entering into a “strategic mutual defense agreement” with Pakistan. The two countries declared “any aggression against either country shall be considered an aggression against both.” …
What the world may see instead of an “Islamic NATO” is the so-called “6+2 format,” explains Cinzia Bianco, an expert on the Gulf states at the European Council on Foreign Relations, or ECFR. The phrase, “6+2,” refers to the six GCC states and Turkey and Egypt. https://www.dw.com/en/is-the-middle-east-about-to-get-an-islamic-nato/a-74111424

The idea of a military alliance in the region is is not a new one. Notice something from back in 2018:

Plans for an ‘Arab NATO’ gathering momentum
November 14, 2018
With Arab nations’ militaries working more closely together than ever before and the political situation ripe, speculation abounds that we will witness the birth of the so-called “Arab NATO” this month.
The idea for such a security alliance was conceived by the Obama administration. …
Now, because of the second Qatar crisis, the plan to accelerate an Arab solution for a regional military alliance is a key project being pushed for by US National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Importantly, the proposed Arab NATO, tentatively known as the Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA), is fully supported by senior Gulf officials. At the Abu Dhabi Strategic Debate on Sunday, UAE Minister of State Anwar Gargash said: “The UAE, along with Arab states, is increasingly playing a role to address security challenges in the region. We are pushing alongside the US to form a strategic alliance to counter these issues.” Bolton’s meeting with the UAE security leadership on Monday was related to moving toward a greater cohesion on the Arab NATO issue.
An Arab military alliance, and how it begins to coalesce, is going to have to take the lessons of Yemen to heart in terms of its operations and operational capacity. …
Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s naval, air and ground units are conducting ongoing war games in western Egypt, with delegations from Morocco and Lebanon participating as observers. These military exercises, named “Arab Shield 1,” are significant as never before have these six Arab states conducted joint military exercises. It’s an important start that only occurred after Pompeo met with fellow foreign ministers to discuss the launch of the alliance. http://www.arabnews.com/node/1404891

Both Democratic and Republic Administrations in the USA have supported the idea. And yes, according to Bible prophecy a military alliance of nations including Egypt will occur (cf. Daniel 11:40-43; Ezekiel 30:2-8). The leader of this coming alliance is called the King of the South in the Bible.

Here is what the old Radio and Worldwide Church of God taught about a coming ‘King of the South’ related alliance:

King David of ancient Israel in a prophetic psalm (Psalm 83) provides additional insight into the Mideast picture. Germany (Assyria in Bible prophecy) and perhaps the rest of Europe will be in league in the future with a union of Arab nations–a vast confederacy bound together in an effort to crush out the name “Israel” from the face of the earth! This Arab-Moslem confederacy may very well be the previously mentioned “king of the south”–a sphere of power encompassing vast portions of the Islamic world.
“They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee: The tabernacles of Edom [Esau or modern-day Turkey, a non-Arab but Islamic nation], and the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; of Moab [part of Jordan], and the Hagarenes [anciently these peoples dwelt in the area known as Syria today]; Gebal [Lebanon], and Ammon [modern Jordan], and Amalek [part of the Turks]; the Philistines [the modern Palestinians] with the inhabitants of Tyre [Lebanon]; Assur [whose descendants, the Assyrians, migrated to Germany] also is joined with them: they have holpen the children of Lot [Jordan and Western Iraq]” (Psalm 83:4-8)…
But in the end, this European-Arab alliance will prove short-lived. As shown earlier, the “king of the north” of Daniel 11–the leader of the German-led European union–will ultimately turn against the Arab “king of the south,”…Daniel 11:40-41: And the king of the north shall come against him [the king of the south]…The Arab-Moslem Confederation will, of course, be thrown into chaotic disarray in the fact of invasion. (Stump K. The Arab World in Prophecy. Plain Truth, December 1979)
Turn to the astounding prophecy found in Psalm 83:1-8. David, inspired of God, predicted the coming time when ALL of Israel’s enemies would join together in an effort to crush out even the name “Israel” from the face of the earth! (Verse 4) “For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee…” (verse 5). Notice the nations making up this confederation. “Edom [Turkey], and the Ishmaelites [Saudi Arabia]; Moab [Jordan], and the Hagarenes [they anciently dwelt in the land known as Syria today]; Gebal {Lebanon}, and Ammon [Jordan] and Amalek; the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre; Assur [whose descendants migrated to Germany] is joined with them; they have helped the children of Lot” {Moab and Ammon in modern Jordan). Here we see that the Arab nations mentioned are allied with Germany (Assur) which we know from other prophecies will be the military leader — naturally so — of a United States of Europe…Egypt…will provoke the prophesied United Europe (Dan. 11:40). This European power — called the “king of the north” in Daniel 11 — shall invade and occupy the “glorious land” of Palestine (verse 41). “And the land of Egypt shall not escape”(Boraker R. SYRIA RAIDS ISRAEL – Where Is It Leading? Plain Truth. November 1966)

The above quotes show that the old Radio/Worldwide Church of God believed it would involve some type of Arab-Islamic confederation. And that is consistent with Ezekiel 30:2-8.

The deal of Psalms 83:3-8 happens while the prince/King of the North is still on speaking terms with the King of the South, though they both lie to each other:

27 Both these kings’ hearts shall be bent on evil, and they shall speak lies at the same table; but it shall not prosper, for the end will still be at the appointed time. (Daniel 11:27)

Let me add that the deal of Psalm 83:4-8 takes place before the destruction of the USA, which happens in Daniel 11:39. It is AFTER the USA is knocked out of the way that the King of the South will feel emboldened enough to push against the King of the North, which happens in Daniel 11:40.

Now, while there will come the alliance in Psalm 83, notice what the Bible says its purpose is:

4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, That the name of Israel may be remembered no more.” 5 For they have consulted together with one consent; They form a confederacy against You: 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab and the Hagrites; 7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre; 8 Assyria also has joined with them; They have helped the children of Lot. (Psalm 83:4-8)

Note that this passage of scripture is suggesting that the descendants of Israel (which not only includes the modern state of Israel but also much of the English-speaking world, (cf. Genesis 48:13-16–see a discussion of this in Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel) will be bothered by a confederation of basically Arabic/Islamic peoples from the Middle East (not Ethiopians), who will also somewhat align with a European power (see Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History and Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy).

The deal in Psalm 83 looks to involve war and terrorism–and that will be against the United States and its British-descended allies, as well as the nation called Israel.

The late Radio/Worldwide Church of God evangelist Dr. Herman Hoeh wrote:

Notice an amazing prophecy about the Middle East in Psalm 83:1-8. It is a time of war.
“Hold not Thy peace, and be not still, O God. For, lo, Thine enemies… have taken crafty counsel against Thy people.”
They have dealt treacherously with Judah and Israel — with the Jews and with America and Britain! We are God’s people, Israel. The Jews are merely the tribe of Judah. But to continue:
“They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation.’” Isn’t this exactly what the Iraqi leaders have said? “For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against Thee…”
What nations are these in confederation against God’s people? Here is the answer of this prophecy! Here is what is yet going to take shape in the Middle East!
“Edom (Turkey), and the Ishmaelites (Saudi Arabia); Moab (part of Jordan), and the Hagarenes (part of Arabia); Gebal (this is the ancient name for Byblos in Lebanon), and Ammon (Jordan) and Amalek (part of the Turks); the Philistines (the displaced Moslems from Palestine) with the inhabitants of Tyre; ASSUR IS JOINED WITH THEM: they have helped the children of Lot.”
Who is Assur? GERMANY!
So Germany — NOT atheistic, communist Russia — is ultimately going to support an Arab union against the Jews and against Israel — Britain and America! This is what prophecy foretells. (Hoeh H. GERMANY in Prophecy! – Part 2. Plain Truth, January 1963)

The late WCG evangelist Raymond McNair wrote:

The coalition of nations mentioned in Psalm 83 is clearly intended as an end-time prophecy, that shows which nations will wage war against the modern-day descendants of Israel, and this includes the Anglo-Saxon-Celtic, English-Speaking peoples. (McNair R. Solving the Arab-Israeli Impasse! CG21, 2005)

While Psalm 83 is not yet being fulfilled, we are hearing calls from Muslims that appear to be preludes to that, as well as the rise of the future King of the South.

Back in 2018, the Continuing Church of God (CCOG)put together the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:

15:19
Arab NATO and the Coming King of the South
For two weeks in November 2018, a joint-military exercise called ‘Arab Shield 1’ took place in Egypt. Some have wondered if this will lead to an ‘Arab NATO.’ Is this something the Obama and Trump administrations have pushed for? Is this consistent with biblical prophesies? What do followers of Islam want? What about a caliphate and the ‘Imam Mahdi? Has this type of Arab unity been promoted by American and European leaders? What territories will support the King of the South of Daniel 11? What peoples are involved in Ezekiel 30? Will Turkey betray the coming King of the South? Will Arab unity turn out well or disastrous for the Arab nations? Will Arab unity be in place by the time of the start of the Great Tribulation? Dr. Thiel answers these questions and more.

Here is a link to the sermonette video: Arab NATO and the Coming King of the South.

Currently, we are seeing more military cooperation among Arabic and Islamic nations and this will tie in with the rise of the final King of the South that the Bible prophesies.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? A YouTube video of related interest may be: The Future King of the South is Rising.
The Muslim Brotherhood and the Rise of the King of the South The Bible tells of the formation of a power of nations that are in the Middle East and North Africa that are part of the final “King of the South” (Daniel 11:40-43) The Muslim Brotherhood wishes to have an Islamic empire with basically the same nations. This YouTube video explains what to expect from such a confederation.
Why Terrorism? Is Terrorism Prophesied? What does the Bible teach? Which nations may be affected? Here is a link to a related sermon: Terrorism, Christianity, and Islam.
The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.
The Prophesied ‘Islamic’ Confederation Where is an Islamic caliphate prophesied? Will one happen? Should you be concerned about it? A related video is Will an Arabic Calphiphate Destroy the West?
Libya, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia in Prophecy What is ahead for North Africa? What does the Bible teach?
Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to a related video: Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.
Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.
Egypt in Prophecy Does Egypt have a special role in end time prophecy? Will Egypt rise up and then be defeated. What does God teach will happen to those in Egypt? Here is a link to a YouTube video titled Egypt and End Time Prophecy.
Iraq, the King of the South, Armageddon, and Prophecy What will happen to Iraq? Is it the prophesied Mystery Babylon? What is Armageddon and how does that have to do with Iraq? Here is a related video Iraq, Armageddon, & Prophecy.
Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There is also a related YouTube video titled Iran In Prophecy.
Teachings Unique to the Philadelphia Church of God Simply calling oneself ‘Philadelphia’ does not make one so (see Revelation 3:7-9), nor does Gerald Flurry calling himself “that prophet” make it so. This article provides many quotes from this group which tries to look faithful.
The Falling Away: The Bible and WCG Teachings Who is 2 Thessalonians 2:3 referring to? Are there multiple falling aways? Here is a related link in Spanish/español: La Apostasía: Enseñanzas de la Biblia y de la WCG. There are also two YouTube videos on the subject that you can watch The Falling Away Part 1: From the Bible and Church History and The Falling Away Part 2: Positions Presented by Others.
The ‘Peace Deal’ of Daniel 9:27 This prophecy could give up to 3 1/2 years advance notice of the coming Great Tribulation. Will most ignore or misunderstand its fulfillment? Here is a link to a related sermon video Daniel 9:27 and the Start of the Great Tribulation.
CCOG.ORG Continuing Church of God The group striving to be most faithful amongst all real Christian groups to the word of God. To see how CCOG has done so far, here are links to two sermons Continuing Church of God (CCOG) first year anniversary: What has been accomplished? and The Continuing Church of God: Two Years of Proclamation. Here is a written link to a version of that sermon in the Spanish language: Aniversario del primer año de la Continuación de la Iglesia de Dios: ¿Qué se ha cumplido?
Germany’s Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the “Holy Roman Empire”? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany’s Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical and Catholic Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people?
Satan’s Plan Does Satan have a plan? What is it? Has it already been successful? Will it be successful in the future? Here are links to a two-part sermon series: What are Some of the Parts of Satan’s Plan? and Satan’s Plan is More Dramatic than Many Realize.