Iran urges France, Germany, UK to examine root cause of military conflict

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, has urged France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, referred to as the E3, along with Middle Eastern foreign ministers, to investigate the underlying reasons for military conflict in the region. During a gathering in Istanbul, the European foreign ministers emphasized the critical need for diplomacy regarding the US-Israel war on Iran.

However, Baqaei argued that diplomacy should not merely serve as a public relations tactic and these platforms must delve into the root causes of the conflict. He strongly condemned the E3's suspected double standards, citing their inaction while US and Israeli military aggression against Iran persists, their unwavering support for Israel, and their harmful strategies towards Iran's nuclear issue.

Separately, Baqaei highlighted a discrepancy in Germany's stance by comparing remarks from over a year apart by its chancellor and foreign minister concerning Iran's war. On June 2025, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that "This is the dirty work Israel is doing for all of us" in reference to Israel's aggression against Iran.

Later, on October 2026, Germany's Foreign Minister, along with others, cautioned against any renewed attacks on Iran and stressed the necessity to avert further escalation.