Regional, European countries warn against new attacks on Iran

Foreign ministers from eight regional and European countries met in Istanbul on Friday, voicing opposition to military action against Iran and calling for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, reported Xinhua.

The meeting brought together four regional countries -- Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, and four European nations -- Britain, France, Germany, and Italy.

Following closed-door talks, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told reporters that the four regional countries first held its seventh standalone meeting, which focused on the threat of a potential attack on Iran and recent Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia. The European nations subsequently joined the discussions, broadening the agenda to the wider implications of ongoing conflicts, he added.

Fidan said the two major conflicts in the region, coupled with threats to maritime routes, including the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, and the Black Sea, were "incredibly disrupting energy supplies, food security, and the free trade regime, exerting immense pressure globally."

He said that all participants shared a common understanding on the need for dialogue to prevent the destruction from spreading further, stressing that all parties rejected military action against Iran.

He also noted the need for a ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, as well as ensuring safe maritime passage through the Black Sea.