Foreign ministers from eight countries in Europe and the Middle East have called on the United States and Israel to refrain from executing further military strikes on Iran, cautioning that such actions could escalate regional conflict and increase global oil prices. This warning was issued during a summit in Istanbul, co-hosted by Türkiye, where officials emphasized the need for diplomatic measures to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and to prevent further destabilization.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted the futility of military intervention in resolving the crisis, warning that additional attacks on Iran could exacerbate tensions across the region. France and the United Kingdom also underscored the importance of dialogue, pointing out the potential economic repercussions of renewed warfare.
The summit discussions also covered security concerns related to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy shipments, as well as Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. Participants advocated for the maintenance of freedom of navigation and the implementation of strategies to avert further disruptions to international trade.
Representatives from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy attended the meeting. The ministers also addressed issues such as the Palestinian conflict, settlement expansion, the two-state solution, and efforts to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war.
The attending nations stressed that enhanced diplomatic collaboration is essential to reducing regional tensions, safeguarding economic interests, and preventing the spread of conflicts. The collective stance of these countries points towards a preference for negotiation and cooperation over military action.