Foreign ministers from eight European and Middle Eastern countries have urged the United States and Iran to pursue diplomacy amid growing fears that renewed military attacks could widen the conflict and disrupt global energy supplies.
The ministers from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt met in Istanbul on October 23, 2026, to discuss escalating regional tensions, security concerns and the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for international oil shipments.
Speaking after the meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the participating countries did not support another military intervention against Iran. He warned that renewed attacks could intensify tensions and spread the conflict further across the Middle East.
Fidan stressed that dialogue and diplomacy offered the way forward, as governments attempt to prevent further instability in a region already facing serious security and economic challenges.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot also warned that another escalation between Washington and Tehran would have serious consequences, particularly for oil and gas prices. He called on all sides to exercise restraint, noting that higher energy costs could affect countries far beyond the Middle East.
The meeting came amid renewed speculation about possible American military action. US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack said Washington could strike Iran as soon as that weekend during an interview with podcast host Mario Nawfal.
However, US President Donald Trump appeared to distance himself from the suggestion when questioned by reporters. Trump said he did not know about the possibility raised by his ambassador, leaving uncertainty over whether an attack was being considered for that specific timeframe.
The remarks added to concerns that the fragile situation could deteriorate despite ongoing diplomatic contacts. Washington and Tehran have faced a prolonged standoff, while disagreements over security and Iran's nuclear programme remain unresolved.
The Strait of Hormuz was another major focus of the Istanbul discussions. The waterway is a critical passage for global energy shipments, and prolonged disruption could push up transport costs, fuel prices and inflation in many countries.
The ministers also discussed broader regional security issues, including attacks by Yemen's Houthi movement on Saudi Arabia and the need to protect freedom of navigation. Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said diplomacy was necessary to support de-escalation and restore secure maritime passage.
The eight-nation meeting brought together European and regional governments with different national interests but a shared concern that another round of fighting could have consequences well beyond the countries directly involved.
Although the discussions did not resolve the underlying disputes, the ministers signalled their preference for continued diplomatic engagement over renewed military escalation.
With tensions still high and the possibility of further attacks being discussed publicly, international attention remains focused on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent another confrontation. Any renewed fighting could affect regional security, global energy markets and international trade.
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