Turkey has issued a strong warning to Donald Trump, urging him to refrain from launching further military attacks on Iran. This comes amid reports that the US president is planning to strike Iran after the American midterm elections on November 3.
On October 23, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conveyed a clear message to Washington: “Don’t”. He claimed the backing of Germany, France, Britain, Italy, Egypt, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.
Following a meeting with his counterparts from these nations in Istanbul, Fidan stated at a press conference, “We are all in agreement that a new attack on Iran would expand the war in the region”. He emphasized that military intervention is not a solution and that nobody approves of it at the moment.
The meeting marked the first collective gathering of the Regional Four (R4) and the EU 3 (E3), alongside Italy. The diplomats discussed the Iran war, attacks on Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthi militants, and Russia’s war in Ukraine.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband stressed the need for diplomacy, dialogue, and de-escalation in an ITN TV interview. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that escalation would only lead to higher oil prices and no winners.
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A New York Times report on October 21 revealed that the US and Israeli militaries had drafted plans for strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenal. IntelliNews reported potential Iranian retaliatory strikes on US-owned assets in the Middle East.
The German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed readiness to engage in talks with Tehran to prevent Iran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. He also called for support for Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
This collective stance against further military action highlights the international community’s concern over the potential consequences of an escalated conflict in the region. For those living in the affected areas, the prospect of expanded warfare means continued instability, displacement, and economic hardship, making the push for diplomacy and dialogue a critical lifeline.
Reuters reported that Fidan mentioned discussions on parameters to prevent the war’s expansion but provided no details.
