Foreign ministers from eight European and Middle Eastern countries have collectively urged the United States and Israel to refrain from launching new military strikes on Iran, warning that further hostilities could exacerbate the regional conflict and lead to an increase in global oil prices. This appeal was made during a summit held in Istanbul, co-hosted by Türkiye, where officials emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to address tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan cautioned that military action would not resolve the crisis and expressed concerns that another attack on Iran could escalate the conflict across the region. Both France and the United Kingdom underscored the importance of dialogue, pointing to the economic implications of renewed warfare.
The summit discussions also addressed security issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy supplies, and the ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Participating countries stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and implementing measures to prevent further disruptions to international trade.
The meeting was attended by representatives from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. In addition to discussing Iran, ministers also covered topics such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, settlement expansion, the two-state solution, and efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war.
The participating nations highlighted the necessity for increased diplomatic cooperation to mitigate regional tensions, safeguard economic interests, and prevent the conflicts from expanding further. The call to action reflects a collective desire to pursue peaceful resolutions and maintain stability in the region.