Turkey says renewed attack on Iran would expand conflict, diplomacy only way

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan expressed concern on Friday about the possibility of another attack on Iran, warning that such an action would worsen tensions and escalate the conflict in the region. The minister emphasized that diplomacy and dialogue were the only viable solutions to bring an end to the war. Fidan participated in a high-level meeting in Istanbul with counterparts from Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Germany, France, Britain, and Italy, representing the Regional Four (R4) and EU 3, along with Italy.

The meeting aimed to discuss the ongoing war in Iran, attacks on Saudi Arabia by Iran-backed Houthis, and Russia's conflict in Ukraine. Fidan reiterated that any renewed attack on Iran would not be a solution, as no one currently supports such an intervention. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot echoed similar sentiments after the meeting, stating that a renewed escalation between Iran and the United States would only result in losers and increase oil prices.

Reports suggested that the US and Israeli militaries had prepared plans for potential strikes against Iran, targeting energy infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and missile and drone arsenals, following the US midterm congressional election. However, US President Donald Trump had previously stated that he would not launch an attack on Iran before the midterms, as the two countries were engaged in productive talks to resolve their six-month-old war.

Turkish officials have been in close communication with Washington, Tehran, and regional mediators to seek an end to the conflict and prevent further regional expansion. During the meeting, the countries discussed possible parameters to curtail the war's expansion, but Fidan did not provide further details. Following the meeting, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized that Germany, France, and Britain were prepared to negotiate with Iran to prevent its acquisition of nuclear weapons while supporting Saudi Arabia and Yemen.