In a significant diplomatic gathering in Istanbul, eight nations, including Türkiye, unitedly cautioned against any new military actions targeting Iran, warning that such moves could exacerbate tensions and destabilize the Middle East further. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan underscored that the assembled countries—Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy—favored dialogue and diplomacy as the most effective tools for resolving the ongoing crisis.
Fidan emphasized that the participating countries opposed military escalation, highlighting the risk of the conflict spreading across the region rather than alleviating existing tensions. He noted the collective commitment to initiatives aimed at preventing wider warfare and ending hostilities in both the Gulf region and Ukraine.
The discussions also touched on several critical issues, including Israel’s role in regional conflicts, the situation in the Black Sea, and security concerns linked to the strategic Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Disruptions in these key maritime routes could have dire implications for international trade and the global energy supply chain, the participants warned.
Fidan pointed out that conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are exerting significant economic and financial pressures globally. The foreign minister stressed the necessity for international cooperation and effective diplomatic strategies to avert further destruction and promote peace.
Additionally, Fidan mentioned that Türkiye is engaged in discussions with Egypt to address Cairo’s concerns regarding Ankara’s maritime agreement with Libya. He expressed optimism about improving conditions to facilitate reconciliation between Libya’s rival factions in the east and west.