Turkey cautions against renewed attack on Iran, seeks dialogue

The Turkish government has cautioned against renewed ​attacks on Iran to avoid worsening tension and urged dialogue to end the conflict.

Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, gave the warning at a press conference on Friday, in Istanbul, after meeting with fellow foreign ministers from Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Britain and Italy, 

It was the inaugural collective meeting ​between the countries, comprised of the Regional Four (R4) and EU 3 (E3), alongside Italy, which witnessed discussions concerning the Iran war, attacks ​on Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthi militants, and Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Mr Fidan said, “We are ⁠all in agreement that a new attack on Iran would expand the war in the ​region. A military intervention on Iran is not in any ​way a solution. Nobody approves this at the moment.”

He stated that the foreign ministers at the meeting also discussed possible parameters to ensure the war in Iran does not expand ⁠further.

Also speaking after the meeting was the French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, who stated that renewed escalation between Iran and the United States, would have no winner but only raise oil prices.

The meeting followed ​report that the U.S. and Israeli militaries had perfected plans for renewed strikes against Iran after the U.S. midterm congressional election in November.

According to the New York Times on Wednesday, U.S. officials ‌said ⁠likely targets will include Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, its missile and drone arsenal.

The R4 mechanism comprising Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, was established for regional stability and strengthen diplomatic dialogue through a regional ownership approach, while the E3, consisting of Germany, the United Kingdom and France, was launched in 2003, to address Iran’s nuclear programme.