Eight countries gathered in Istanbul have issued a collective warning against any new military attack on Iran, emphasizing that such actions could exacerbate regional conflicts and lead to further instability in the Middle East. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that the group, consisting of Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy, has reached a consensus on the necessity of prioritizing diplomacy and dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions.
Fidan highlighted the potential repercussions of military escalation, cautioning that renewed attacks on Iran might expand existing conflicts rather than alleviate them. The participating nations are advocating for measures to curb the spread of war and are calling for efforts to end hostilities in both the Gulf region and Ukraine.
The discussions also addressed broader regional issues, including Israel’s role in escalating tensions, security concerns in the Black Sea, and the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Disruptions in these vital shipping lanes could severely impact international trade and global energy markets.
Fidan pointed out the economic and financial strain that conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are imposing globally. He underscored the importance of international collaboration and effective diplomatic mechanisms to prevent further devastation and to support peaceful resolutions.
In addition to the main discussions, Fidan mentioned that Türkiye is engaged in talks with Egypt to address concerns over Ankara’s maritime agreement with Libya. He expressed hope that conditions would improve to foster reconciliation between Libya’s rival factions in the east and west of the country.