Foreign ministers from eight European and Middle Eastern countries have urged the United States and Israel to refrain from launching new military strikes on Iran. They warned that renewed military actions could exacerbate regional tensions and lead to increased global oil prices. This call for restraint emerged during a summit held in Istanbul, co-hosted by Türkiye, where officials emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program and avert further escalation.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan cautioned that military intervention would not resolve the ongoing crisis and highlighted the risk of the conflict spreading across the region. France and the United Kingdom echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of dialogue to mitigate economic risks associated with a potential renewed war.
During the discussions, the ministers addressed security concerns related to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global energy supplies, alongside issues such as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The attendees called for ensuring freedom of navigation and implementing measures to prevent further disruptions to international trade.
The meeting brought together representatives from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. Alongside the Iranian issue, the ministers also engaged in dialogue about the Palestinian situation, settlement expansion, the two-state solution, and efforts to end the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The participating countries emphasized the necessity of enhanced diplomatic cooperation to reduce regional tensions, safeguard economic interests, and prevent the spread of conflicts. They concluded that collaborative efforts are crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by these geopolitical tensions.