Eight Countries Urge Diplomacy to Prevent Fresh Escalation in Iran Conflict

ISTANBUL, Oct 24: Foreign ministers from eight countries have called for urgent diplomatic efforts to resolve regional conflicts, warning of the need for dialogue, de-escalation and lasting negotiated solutions amid tensions surrounding the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The foreign ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom met in Istanbul on October 23 to discuss regional and international security challenges, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.

The discussions covered the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and Yemen's internationally recognised government, and growing concerns over maritime security.

In their joint statement, the ministers stressed the urgent need to address regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation. They also called for lasting negotiated solutions to outstanding conflicts in accordance with relevant United Nations resolutions.

The ministers discussed the need for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the security of key international shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandeb and the Black Sea. They also considered the wider security, economic and trade implications of the regional crises.

The meeting came amid concerns that renewed military action against Iran could intensify regional tensions and disrupt international trade and energy supplies.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said after the meeting that another military intervention in Iran would not resolve the crisis and could further expand the conflict. He stressed that diplomacy and dialogue remained the way forward.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also warned that renewed escalation between Washington and Tehran could have serious consequences, including higher oil and gas prices. He called on the parties to exercise restraint to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

The eight ministers agreed to continue consultations in the same format to help prevent conflicts, strengthen diplomatic coordination and promote peace and stability in the region and beyond.