Ministers from Europe and the Middle East Warn Against Attacks on Iran

European and Middle Eastern ministers are coming together to oppose any new attacks on Iran and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign ministers from eight countries, the UK, France, Germany, Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Italy, and Egypt, met in Turkiye on Friday. They discussed the ongoing war in the Middle East, Israel's actions in Gaza, and the need to end the Russia-Ukraine war, among other topics.

These countries worry that any increase in the US-Iran conflict will not help anyone and will only drive energy prices up.

Their warning follows comments from the US ambassador to Turkiye, Tom Barrack. He mentioned that Washington could "absolutely" strike Iran this weekend.

During a talk with X podcast host Mario Nawfal, Barrack said President Donald Trump is "open and available and accessible to a deal ... he’s also been very clear about what he wants."

The ministers warned against more attacks on Tehran. They called for restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy between all parties, according to Al Jazeera.

They also opposed any actions that limit lawful navigation and asked for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz to be fully restored.

After the meeting, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told reporters that the world cannot handle another escalation in the region.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that no country in the meeting supported another military intervention or attack on Iran.

He added that such actions would only increase tensions and further widen the conflict.

"A further escalation between Iran and the US would create nothing but losers and would undoubtedly have very serious consequences for hydrocarbon prices," he said.

Italy’s minister, Antonio Tajani, also highlighted the need for efforts to ensure "de-escalation to guarantee freedom of navigation."

He added, "I do not believe the problem can be solved from a purely military standpoint; we must promote dialogue" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.