Foreign ministers from eight European and Middle Eastern nations have urged the United States and Israel to refrain from launching new military strikes on Iran. At a summit in Istanbul, co-hosted by Türkiye, the ministers warned that further military action could exacerbate regional tensions and lead to increased global oil prices.
The call for restraint centered around diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear program and the need to prevent further escalation in the region. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that military intervention would not resolve the crisis and cautioned that another attack on Iran could destabilize the region further. Representatives from France and the United Kingdom echoed the importance of dialogue, highlighting the potential economic repercussions of renewed conflict.
During the discussions, security concerns were raised regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy supplies, alongside the threat of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The ministers advocated for the protection of navigation freedom and the implementation of measures to avert disruptions to international trade.
The meeting saw participation from countries including Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. In addition to Iran, the ministers addressed issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, settlement expansion, the two-state solution, and efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Ultimately, the collective stance was that enhanced diplomatic cooperation is essential to mitigate regional tensions, safeguard economic interests, and prevent conflicts from spreading further. The summit underscored the importance of a diplomatic approach to international relations amid current geopolitical challenges.
