(ChatGPT generated illustration for COGwriter)
The Sunni Muslim world seems to be taking military steps to bring itself closer:
Could Pakistan’s reported sending forces to Saudi Arabia change regional power balance? – analysis
The deployment includes “8,000 troops, JF-17 jets, drones, HQ-9 air defense system,” and Pakistan will operate the military platforms.
Updated 05/19/26
Pakistan is set to deploy warplanes and troops to Saudi Arabia, according to Reuters yesterday. This would mark a major milestone in Pakistan’s strategic ties with Saudi Arabia. The countries are allies and have supported each other, but a deployment of this magnitude would mark a major shift and could change the balance of power in the region. The reported deployment comes as Pakistan continues to play a key role in US-Iran mediation.
Reuters noted that the deployment includes “8,000 troops, JF-17 jets, drones, HQ-9 air defense system,” and that Pakistan will operate the military platforms. “Pakistan previously sent jets after Iranian strikes on Saudi energy sites,” according to Reuters.
The report goes on to say that Pakistan has deployed 8,000 troops, “a squadron of fighter jets and an air defense system to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defense pact, ramping up military cooperation with Riyadh even as Islamabad serves as the main mediator in the Iran war.”
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia maintain one of the warmest strategic relationships in the Islamic world, going back decades. …Saudi Arabia, a wealthy country with a strong middle and upper class, has often supported Islamabad. Pakistan is a more populous country that suffers from poverty, as well as instability in some of its border regions, such as Balochistan and the tribal areas near Afghanistan. https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-896592
A reader sent me a link to the following
“Islamic NATO” project begins to take clearer shape Türkiye and Qatar invited to emerging defense bloc
13 May 2026 14:32As part of ongoing efforts to establish an “Islamic NATO,” Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has indicated that Türkiye and Qatar could potentially join Islamabad’s mutual defence agreement with Riyadh, signalling a possible expansion of the emerging security framework among key Muslim states.
The defence chief stated that negotiations on the agreement are nearing completion and may eventually expand to include these countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing Pakistani outlet Money Control.
Last year, Pakistan signed a “Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement” with Saudi Arabia, stipulating that any aggression against one party would be considered an attack on both states.
“If Qatar and Turkey also join this existing agreement, it will be a welcome development,” Asif said, reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding ambition to build a military alliance among Muslim nations.
He added that the initiative is aimed at creating a broader platform for cooperation among like-minded states to strengthen regional stability and collective security. https://caliber.az/en/post/islamic-nato-project-begins-to-take-clearer-shape
Egypt has also been working on this:
Could Middle East war bring region closer to an ‘Arab NATO’?
Egypt is again calling for a joint Arab military alliance – sometimes described as an “Arab NATO” – to defend the region. But Arab states are deeply divided over the idea, Middle East analyst Hasni Abidi tells RFI.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi this week renewed calls for a common Arab force – a proposal that has been discussed for years but has never taken shape.
The idea has resurfaced as conflict spreads across the Gulf, with Iranian missile and drone strikes hitting several Arab states in retaliation for attacks by Israel and the United States. The escalation is also raising new questions about how Arab countries should organise their own defence. …
RFI: What does the idea of an “Arab NATO” involve?
Hasni Abidi: It is an old idea. During the war in Yemen, Saudi Arabia wanted to form an Arab coalition, similar to NATO, against the Houthis. It managed to involve some states, but their participation was largely symbolic and it never succeeded in creating a real military coalition.
As early as 2015, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi suggested forming an Arab military coalition, backed by the United States, to fight terrorism in the region.
More recently, when Qatar was hit by Iran, the Egyptian president spoke about the need for a common Arab defence to face this challenge.
Today, he has sent his foreign minister to support the Gulf countries, but also to tell them that the current circumstances require a new Arab architecture – in other words, a shared defence system run by Arab states themselves.
RFI: The idea is not new and has never succeeded. Could the situation today change that?
HA: It is very difficult to imagine all Arab states accepting this Egyptian proposal. Several states say they have no interest in joining a military alliance. …
RFI: Do the attacks on Gulf countries because of their alliance with the United States call into question their relationship with Washington?
HA: There is now a debate in Gulf countries about their relationship with the United States. Is this partnership still relevant? The war with Iran has exposed not only the vulnerability of the Gulf states but also what many see as American inaction when it came to protecting their partners, even though they are linked by mutual defence agreements.
There is a growing feeling of abandonment in the Gulf. https://www.rfi.fr/en/international/20260320-could-war-in-middle-east-bring-region-closer-to-an-arab-nato
An unintended consequence of the USA/Israel-Iran war is that the Arab nations are looking for increased military cooperation. Daniel 11:40-43 will come to pass.
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.
Notice part of number 19 in my list of 26 items to prophetically watch in 2026:
19. Steps Towards the Formation of the King of the South Will Occur
The formation of the King of the South is something to look for.
Psalm 83 prophesies a confederacy:
3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people,
And consulted together against Your sheltered ones.
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 Edam 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 83:3-8)Most of the peoples listed above are currently in the Middle East and North Africa, with the exception of Assyria–which is mainly in Europe.
Notice that a deal in alluded to in Daniel 11 and will be broken:
15 … the king of the North … 25 … the king of the South … 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 11:15,25,27)
So, these powers will make lying deals.
They will then turn on each other:
40 “At the time of the end the king of the South shall attack him; and the king of the North shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter the countries, overwhelm them, and pass through. 41 He shall also enter the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall escape from his hand: Edom, Moab, and the prominent people of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 He shall have power over the treasures of gold and silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; also the Libyans and Ethiopians shall follow at his heels. (Daniel 11:40-43)
US and European politicians have called for a confederation or coalition of nations in the Middle East and North Africa …
Now there already is an alliance in the area. But the Bible tells of a coming confederacy that will be more unified.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and others have taken steps that will help the ultimate formation of the King of the South (see Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Salman pushing King of the South? and watch Mystery Babylon USA, Mecca, or Rome?).
In 2025, some have advocated for an expansion of the so-called Abraham Accords to include essentially a confederation of the Islamic nations of the Middle East and North Africa, but excluding Iran, to be a political and military alliance. This is a consistent with territories that the prophesied King of the South is to be over.
That Accord is helping get various Islamic nations to cooperate closer together.
Economic, religious, food price inflation and shortages, as well as and other problems will be factors in the rise of that leader.
While the confederacy is not expected be fully formed in 2026 (though that could happen), watch for events that will point in its direction. I expect one not too many years after a major regional conflict at least involving Iran, Syria, and Israel.
Talks about an Arab NATO in 2026 are consistent with that. And, of course, in 2026 we have already seen major regional conflict involving Iran, Syria, and Israel.
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:
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.