ISTANBUL — Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday warned that any renewed attack on Iran would intensify regional tensions and expand the ongoing conflict, insisting that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only path to peace.
Fidan made the remarks after hosting a first-of-its-kind meeting in Istanbul with foreign ministers from Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Britain and Italy. The talks covered the Iran war, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“We are all in agreement that a new attack on Iran would expand the war in the region,” Fidan told reporters. “A military intervention on Iran is not in any way a solution. Nobody approves this at the moment.”
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said renewed escalation between Iran and the United States would produce “nothing but losers” and could sharply raise oil prices. The ministers urged both sides to exercise maximum restraint.
The meeting came amid reports that the United States and Israel had prepared plans for possible renewed strikes on Iranian energy, nuclear, missile and drone facilities after next month’s US midterm elections. US President Donald Trump has said Washington would not attack Iran before the midterms, while talks between Washington and Tehran continue.
Fidan said the participating countries had discussed parameters to prevent the Iran conflict from spreading further, though he did not disclose details. He reiterated Turkey’s efforts to maintain contact with Washington, Tehran and regional mediators to halt attacks and contain the war.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Germany, France and Britain were ready to negotiate with Iran to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, while also calling for support for Saudi Arabia and Yemen.