At a summit held in Istanbul, foreign ministers from eight countries, including several from Europe and the Middle East, have cautioned the United States and Israel against initiating new military strikes on Iran. The leaders warned that such actions could exacerbate regional conflicts and lead to an increase in global oil prices.
The gathering, co-hosted by Türkiye, emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to address the tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan highlighted that military interventions would not resolve the crisis and cautioned that further attacks on Iran might escalate the conflict throughout the region. France and the United Kingdom also underscored the importance of dialogue, pointing out the potential economic repercussions of renewed warfare.
Among the key issues discussed were security concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global energy shipments, and ongoing Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia. The participating nations called for ensuring freedom of navigation and implementing measures to prevent further disruptions to international trade.
The summit brought together representatives from Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy. Besides focusing on Iran, the ministers also addressed other pressing regional issues, including the Palestinian situation, settlement expansion, the two-state solution, and efforts to end the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The consensus among the participating countries was that enhanced diplomatic cooperation is crucial to mitigating regional tensions, safeguarding economic interests, and preventing conflicts from spreading further. The call for peaceful dialogue and strategic collaboration reflects a commitment to stability and security in a region fraught with complexities and potential flashpoints.