OMM Newsroom
Foreign ministers meeting in Istanbul on Friday warned that renewed military strikes on Iran could deepen the regional conflict and called for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Participants agreed that a new attack on Iran would widen the regional conflict, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told reporters, AnewZ reports.
Foreign ministers from Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Britain and Italy attended the closed-door talks hosted by Türkiye. Discussions focused on Iran, Yemen, maritime security and the war in Ukraine.
Fidan stressed that military intervention was not a workable solution and said none of the countries represented at the talks supported such a move.
The meeting was the first joint gathering of the “R4” group — Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia — and four European countries.
Participants also discussed ways to contain the regional conflict, but announced no specific proposals or new diplomatic initiatives.
Concern grows over possible new strikes on Iran
The meeting came as possible new US and Israeli attacks on Iran after the US midterm elections on November 3 were being discussed.
Media reports have listed Iran’s energy and nuclear facilities, as well as its missile and drone arsenal, among possible targets. Washington and Israel have not announced a final decision.
US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that Washington would not resume strikes before the elections, citing “productive” contacts with Tehran.
Diplomatic efforts are continuing, but no ceasefire has been reached and nuclear talks remain deadlocked.
France warns of consequences of escalation
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said a renewed escalation between Washington and Tehran would “leave no winners” and could have serious consequences for global energy prices.
The conflict has already severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raised energy costs and heightened concerns about further attacks on Gulf infrastructure.
Brent crude rose above $117 a barrel on Friday amid concerns that fighting could resume.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany, France and Britain were ready to meet Iran for talks aimed at preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
Wadephul also called for talks with the Iran-aligned group Ansar Allah, known as the Houthis, in Yemen, following attacks threatening Saudi territory and shipping near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
