Istanbul R4 and R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meetings (2026)

Istanbul R4 and R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meetings, held on 23 October 2026 in Istanbul under the hostmanship of Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, consisted of two separate ministerial meetings.^【1】 The first meeting brought together the foreign ministers of the R4 mechanism’s members: Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia; the second brought together the R4 countries with the participation of the United Kingdom, Germany and France, known as the E3, along with Italy.^【2】 The R4+E3 meeting, attended by eight countries, was the first of its kind in this format.^【3】 The meetings addressed the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the war between the United States and Iran, developments related to Yemen and Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, the Palestinian issue and the Russia-Ukraine War.

The meetings were officially designated by the Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs as the “R4 and R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meetings”.^【4】 Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul, however, referred to the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy as the “E4” and described the gathering of the eight countries as the “E4-R4” format.^【5】

The R4 mechanism was established by Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia based on the principle of regional ownership to support lasting stability and strengthen dialogue on regional issues.^【6】 The group emerged in March 2026 and focused on regional security and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran.^【7】 The R4 foreign ministers held six meetings prior to the Istanbul meeting, the first of which took place on 18 March in Riyadh. The previous meeting in this format was held on 21 September in New York on the margins of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week.^【8】

The E3 mechanism, comprising Germany, the United Kingdom and France, emerged from a trilateral diplomatic cooperation initiated in 2003 regarding Iran’s nuclear program and has since evolved into a structure for joint diplomatic initiatives on various regional and international issues.^【9】

The Mecca Defense Alliance is a defense agreement signed between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on 7 August 2026. The agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence and to treat any attack against one of the signatory states as an attack against all.^【10】 Türkiye has stated that the agreement does not target any specific country and is open to the participation of other nations, including Egypt.^【11】 Egypt has not yet decided whether to join the alliance. Before the meeting, on Wednesday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared that Egypt would “defend Saudi territory” and would not participate in any attacks against Yemen.^【12】

On 22 October 2026, in its Statement No. 203, the Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan would host the R4 and R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meetings in Istanbul on 23 October 2026.^【4】 Foreign ministry sources indicated that the meetings would be attended by Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann David Wadephul, the United Kingdom’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ed Miliband, France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bedir Abdulati, Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Ishak Dar and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan.^【13】 It was noted that for the first time, the eight countries would meet under the R4+E3 format on Türkiye’s initiative.^【14】 Wadephul stated that the meeting was organized on the initiative of Türkiye and Germany.

The agenda of the meetings included regional issues such as the Palestinian issue, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments related to Yemen and efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine War, as well as potential opportunities for future cooperation and coordination between R4 and E3 countries.^【13】 Israel’s ongoing occupation and expansion of settlements, the historical and legal status of Jerusalem, and the two-state solution perspective were also on the agenda.^【15】

Ministry of Foreign Affairs sources indicated that prior to the meeting, Fidan would emphasize the following points in his address:^【13】

• Regional security requires primary responsibility from regional countries, and Türkiye prioritizes strengthening cooperation mechanisms based on the principle of regional ownership,
• Current conflicts must not be allowed to fuel each other, spread to new areas or escalate into broader regional instability,
• Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestine, its intransigent stance undermining international peace efforts, and its aggression across the region are the root causes of tensions in the Middle East,
• All states must refrain from actions that undermine Jerusalem’s historical and legal status or harm two-state solution efforts; the international community must demonstrate firm resolve and increase pressure on Israel in response to its illegal settlement expansion and encouragement of settler violence,
• The dispute between the United States and Iran can only be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue; military approaches offer no lasting solution, trigger regional vulnerabilities and risk broader conflict,
• The permanent establishment of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab is vital for regional and global stability,
• Türkiye’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security and the importance of the solidarity and shared security concept demonstrated by the Mecca Defense Alliance in response to Houthi attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,
• The contributions of R4 and E3 countries to strengthening stability and prosperity in Syria, and Israel’s actions aimed at destabilizing Syria,
• Türkiye, as a littoral state, continues to warn parties and propose solutions to prevent the Russia-Ukraine War from spreading to the Black Sea and to end civilian casualties in the region, and stands ready to provide all support to end the war through dialogue and diplomacy.

The office of United Kingdom Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband, stated that discussions would center primarily on the “Situation in the Strait of Hormuz and in Saudi Arabia”. The statement indicated that Miliband would advocate for a diplomatic solution that restores full freedom of navigation and highlight how Iran’s tactics are being replicated across the region, how attacks on Saudi Arabia are further destabilizing it, and how pressure is mounting on vital waterways such as Bab al-Mandab and the Suez Canal.^【10】

France’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that discussions would focus on the “Iran crisis in its various dimensions” and characterized the meeting as the first of its kind in this format, held amid “extreme instability and uncertainty in the region.” The ministry stated that the meeting aims to strengthen coordination between European and Middle Eastern countries in the face of crises they have not chosen but that affect them all.^【10】

Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul, before departing for Istanbul, drew attention to the conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz, Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and the problems caused by Russian attacks on grain shipments in the Black Sea, stating: “We can only overcome these immense challenges by moving beyond established formats and acting under a single umbrella.” Wadephul also said: “What unites us is the recognition that these deadlocked conflicts have major impacts on our countries’ economic conditions and security, and our shared will to seek new solutions.”^【16】

Wadephul stated that Germany, along with other countries, does not accept Iran’s and the Houthis’ attempts to pressure global trade and disrupt global energy and fertilizer supplies, and emphasized that arbitrary attacks on freedom of navigation and neighboring countries must end. Wadephul noted that the effects of attacks on sea routes are felt in Europe, from fuel prices at gas stations to supermarket prices, and warned that delays in fertilizer shipments could increase the risk of famine in some regions. Wadephul recorded that Russia has targeted free maritime transport in the Black Sea and that these attacks particularly affect the world’s poorest populations, who are heavily dependent on wheat.^【16】

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, in a statement before departing for Istanbul, assessed the meeting as follows: “The initiative of the Turkish government and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is timely and effective. Rome supports the idea of bringing together European and regional countries to discuss conflicts in the Middle East.” Tajani said, “Disagreements and competition must be resolved through diplomacy, not weapons,” and warned against the risk of renewed large-scale conflict between Iran and the United States. Tajani indicated that the participating countries are working on a joint declaration reflecting their shared commitment to peace in the Gulf and across the Middle East, welcomed the indirect talks between Washington and Tehran in New York, and stated: “Diplomacy is the only viable path to a sustainable solution. We do not want a full-scale conflict to resume.”^【15】

In the same statement, Tajani addressed the problems affecting wheat shipments in the Black Sea and fertilizer transport through the Strait of Hormuz, noting Italy’s cooperation with the Rome-based UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to safeguard access to grain, cereals and fertilizer. Tajani condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and stated that reviving the peace process in Yemen under UN auspices is the most viable path forward. Tajani reiterated Italy’s support for the two-state solution, noting that Israel’s expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank and rising settler violence threaten regional stability. Regarding the situation in Gaza, Tajani said: “The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains extremely severe.” He affirmed Italy’s continued support for its 20-point peace plan for Gaza, but criticized the lack of progress in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2803.^【15】

The foreign ministers attending the meetings are:^【17】

^{Foreign ministers attending the R4 and R4+E3 foreign ministers meetings take a family photo in Istanbul, 23 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

• Hakan Fidan – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye (host)
• Bedir Abdulati – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt
• Muhammad Ishak Dar – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan
• Faisal bin Farhan – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia
• Ed Miliband – Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Kingdom
• Johann David Wadephul – Minister of Foreign Affairs of Germany
• Jean-Noël Barrot – Minister of Foreign Affairs of France
• Antonio Tajani – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy

The first meeting of the day was the R4 Foreign Ministers Meeting hosted by Fidan. According to Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting was designated as the “Seventh Meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Türkiye, Egypt, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia”.^【9】 Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, referred to it as the sixth R4 foreign ministers meeting.^【10】

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ministers reviewed recent developments in the region, with particular focus on the situation in the Middle East and related security issues and conflicts since their last meeting in New York in September. The ministers expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia, reaffirmed their support for its sovereignty and territorial integrity, condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and emphasized the importance of respect for state sovereignty. The statement noted that the ministers discussed ways to strengthen regional coordination and advance diplomatic efforts toward lasting peace, security and stability.^【10】

In the joint statement issued after the meeting, the ministers condemned Houthi attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab. The statement affirmed that the ministers stand in full solidarity with the Government of Yemen and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and called on Houthi militias to immediately cease all military actions, threats and attacks and return to the political process in good faith.^【10】

On the U.S.-Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz, the ministers underscored the “urgent need” to address the conflict exclusively through dialogue and diplomacy and to prevent targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure, including ships. The ministers expressed support for the Islamabad Accord Memorandum, welcomed ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and reaffirmed their commitment to a lasting, negotiation-based solution.^【10】

The joint statement emphasized the “vital importance” of freedom of navigation, permanent maritime safety and security, and the protection of navigation rights and freedoms. The ministers noted that disruptions to sea routes threaten everyone’s security and prosperity by obstructing global supply chains and the flow of energy, fertilizer and food, and affecting vulnerable populations in the region and beyond, thus requiring collective international action to address these challenges. The ministers rejected all measures and restrictions that impede legitimate navigation and called for the immediate and complete resumption of safe, secure and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz, agreeing to maintain close consultation and coordination on these issues.^【10】

On the Palestinian issue, the ministers emphasized that Israel’s occupation of Gaza is the “primary source of instability” in the region and beyond and that Israeli policies have generated a “profound sense of injustice” in global public opinion. The ministers called for the early implementation of a two-state solution in Palestine in accordance with relevant UN resolutions.

^{R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meeting, hosted by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, is being held with the participation of foreign ministers from eight countries, October 23, 2026 – (Anadolu Agency)}

The statement affirmed that the ministers reaffirmed their support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their inalienable right to self-determination and the right to establish an independent, sovereign, viable and contiguous Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the June 4, 1967 borders, in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions aimed at achieving comprehensive peace in the Middle East. The ministers called for an immediate end to Israel’s ongoing violence and attempts to alter the legal and historical status of Jerusalem, and to prevent further destruction and humanitarian tragedy in Palestine.

The ministers condemned all past and current settlement activities in the West Bank and Jerusalem and settler violence against Palestinians, and underscored the urgent need for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Gaza and its reconstruction.^【10】

Following the R4 meeting, the R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meeting was held under the hostmanship of Fidan, with Italy’s participation.^【9】 The meeting began at a hotel overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, following separate meetings between European diplomats and those from regional countries.^【18】

Before the meeting, Fidan emphasized that regional security requires regional ownership and that Ankara prioritizes cooperation mechanisms based on “regional ownership.” Fidan said: “Regional frameworks are becoming reliable platforms for action and cooperation,” adding: “Stability cannot be simply imported and lasting solutions cannot be imposed from outside. Those living with conflict must play a central role in resolving it.”^【18】

^{R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meeting, 23 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

The meeting addressed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ways to end the conflict in Yemen and the Russia-Ukraine war.^【18】

In its statement on the meeting, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “The meeting provided an opportunity for dialogue on regional developments in the Gulf region, their social and economic impacts, and the urgent need to promote diplomatic engagement to resolve regional issues relating to peace, security and stability.”

The statement also noted that “Dar informed his counterparts about Pakistan’s continuing diplomatic and mediation role in reducing tensions, preventing the escalation of conflicts and promoting peace.” All ministers agreed to continue meetings in this format.”^【10】

^{Pakistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, and France's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot at the R4+E3 Meeting of Foreign Ministers – (Anadolu Ajansı)}

On the margins of the R4+E3 meeting, Fidan held meetings with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani and Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann David Wadephul.^【19】 The Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared photographs of the meetings but did not disclose their content.^【20】 Fidan also held separate bilateral meetings with the United Kingdom’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ed Miliband, Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Ishak Dar and France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot.^【15】

According to Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar met with Fidan before the meetings and thanked him for hosting. The two ministers discussed bilateral relations and regional developments, particularly the situation in the Middle East and Palestine. The statement noted that the two ministers expressed concern over threats to regional stability and emphasized the importance of dialogue, diplomacy and coordinated efforts to promote regional peace and security. Dar and Fidan condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their commitment to close coordination on regional issues, including under the Mecca Defense Agreement.^【10】

In his meeting with Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bedir Abdulati, Dar addressed the situation in Palestine and the Middle East and emphasized the importance of “continuous dialogue and diplomacy” in resolving regional issues. The statement noted that the two ministers agreed to accelerate cooperation in a range of areas including trade, business links, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, connectivity, renewable energy, defense and people-to-people contacts, and reaffirmed their commitment to continue consultations and enhance coordination within the R4 framework.^【10】

Dar announced that he held a “warm and sincere discussion” with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan and affirmed Pakistan’s full support for the Kingdom’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The two ministers highlighted the relationship between the two countries, strengthened by the Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the Mecca defense agreement among Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia.^【10】

Dar also met with Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul and expressed his desire to further strengthen bilateral relations through continuous engagement and cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Dar welcomed the “constructive interaction” of Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom within the R4 framework and emphasized the value of continuing consultations and diplomatic coordination on issues of common concern.^【10】

^{President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan receives foreign ministers arriving in Istanbul for the R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Dolmabahçe Working Office, 23 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan received several foreign ministers who came to Istanbul for the R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Presidential Dolmabahçe Working Office. Attendees included Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul, France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot, Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, Pakistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Muhammad Ishak Dar, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bedir Abdulati and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal bin Farhan.^【21】

Following the meetings, Fidan held a press conference in Istanbul, stating: “All countries around the table do not want the war to spread further and support an immediate end to the war in both the Gulf and Ukraine and the establishment of a ceasefire.”^【22】

Fidan expressed this common position as follows: “This is important. We have decided to deliver this message uniformly to all parties. We agree that a renewed attack on Iran would indeed reignite war and conflict across the region. We have reached nearly unanimous agreement that the best path forward is to choose dialogue and diplomacy.”^【23】

^{President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan receives foreign ministers arriving in Istanbul for the R4+E3 Foreign Ministers Meeting at the Dolmabahçe Working Office, 23 October 2026 - (Anadolu Ajansı)}

Fidan emphasized the importance of the eight countries — the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Türkiye — sharing the same views and delivering the same messages to the world: “Of course the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened as soon as possible. Its negative impact on markets must be eliminated immediately. But as I said, a military intervention against Iran is not a solution at all. No one currently approves of this. Turkey’s position has always been that diplomacy is the best path, and this view is now shared by other countries — not merely shared, but actively defended.”^【24】

Fidan stated that the agenda of the meeting began with two war zones: “One is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab due to the current war in the Gulf, leading to the disruption of transit and risks to navigation; the other is the near-total collapse of maritime security in the Black Sea.” Fidan noted that these two areas severely affect the world’s energy needs, food supply and free trade regime, creating pressure and burdens on all governments, citizens and markets regardless of geography, and stated: “Of course, the responsibility of responsible states is to seek peaceful solutions to these problems.”^【24】

Fidan stated that the meeting thoroughly addressed how the attacks on Saudi Arabia could be halted through diplomatic means.^【23】

On the issue between the United States and Iran, Fidan said: “There is a large space for diplomacy and a large space for war in this matter, depending on the stance taken by the relevant actors, regional states and some global actors.” Fidan noted that the key point emphasized at the meeting was that all actors agreed that dialogue is the only solution, adding: “This does not mean we accept violations of other countries’ rights or tolerate the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But how can we resolve this issue without allowing further escalation or destruction? These parameters were clearly discussed.”^【24】

On the Russia-Ukraine War, Fidan noted that all participants agreed on the common goal of achieving a ceasefire and a peace agreement in Ukraine as soon as possible. He added: “If this does not happen, there is again a demand for steps to be taken to immediately restore maritime security and freedom in the Black Sea.”

Fidan noted that he shared Türkiye’s initiatives, including the Grain Initiative, and his discussions with the parties with the participants, stating: “We also had issues we wanted to consult with them about, and we discussed them directly. That is, the parties must either stop the war or create an exception for energy and grain. You know that two and a half years ago, Türkiye made this possible. While two countries are destroying each other in war, we must ensure that international markets and other countries are not similarly affected. I hope a ceasefire and peace come as soon as possible, and this problem is resolved at its root. But our current issue is: how can we get the grain currently in Ukraine and Russia to international markets? What can we do? There are proposals, views and discussions. We are discussing these with the relevant parties.”^【25】“Either the war stops, or if it doesn’t, an exception must be made for energy and grain.”^【23】

Fidan noted that both formats address problems specific to their respective regions and that due to the fact that problems in both regions affect each other, the decision was made to bring them together to discuss issues comprehensively. Fidan said: “It is important that European countries and key Islamic countries come together to discuss regional and global issues in detail and exchange views.” He added: “The most important feature of our platform is that it is informal and flexible, allowing us to freely express our ideas, and if necessary, to develop policies and determine concrete action steps based on these ideas — which offers many advantages.”^【23】 Fidan also said: “We are not aware of any other platform that brings together countries with such diverse geographical and political backgrounds. In particular, Türkiye is in a favorable position to play a constructive role in this process.”^【18】

Fidan said: “We live in a world where an event in the Middle East affects Europe and an event in Europe affects the Middle East. Both regions are interconnected geographically, historically and culturally at certain points. Türkiye is precisely at the transition point between them.” Fidan noted that the Russia-Ukraine conflict in the Black Sea deeply affects regions such as the Middle East and Africa, and that the inability of Russian and Ukrainian grain to reach global markets has caused major crises. He stated: “The closure and blockage in the Strait of Hormuz have caused serious energy crises and price increases in Europe. Therefore, there is nothing more natural than these two platforms coming together to work side by side.”^【23】

Fidan noted that the meeting, both in terms of its agenda and venue, could be one of the most important diplomatic events in recent months, stating: “The fact that actors from two important neighboring regions gathered in Türkiye, in Istanbul — the transitional space connecting Asia and Europe — right next to the strait, is also symbolically significant. I thank all my ministerial colleagues for their participation. Their efforts and dedication are significant. Their shared concern, their shared search for solutions, and their desire to do so through mutual solidarity and cooperation have greatly pleased us.”^【26】

In response to a question regarding anti-Türkiye rhetoric during Israel’s election process, Fidan said: “We categorically reject the use of Türkiye in the rhetoric during elections in Israel.” Fidan stated that attempts by certain political radical parties to mobilize support by demonizing Türkiye are seen as “cheap political maneuvers” and should not be taken seriously.^【24】

Recalling that approximately seven years have passed since the 2019 memorandum on maritime jurisdiction between Türkiye and Libya, Fidan expressed disapproval of the legally valid agreement being turned into “political noise” by the Libyan House of Representatives. Fidan noted that he had observed Greece’s initiatives within the European Union regarding the agreement and emphasized that Türkiye’s efforts to support stability in Libya will continue. Fidan stated that Egypt also has some concerns regarding the memorandum and suggested that Türkiye, Italy and Egypt could hold talks to address Egypt’s and Libya’s concerns, adding: “Positive and constructive approaches can certainly be developed. We have no problem discussing this. I have also conveyed this to my Egyptian colleague. This is also the position of our President.”^【23】

Fidan stated that the time has come to achieve lasting unity between eastern and western Libya and noted that efforts by Türkiye and some actors in the international community in this direction include unifying military structures, adding: “Both sides have military structures. Since a unified country is to be established, these structures must be brought together under a single national army. One of the most important aspects of this is how the military elements separately controlled by each side will be unified under one umbrella. Insha’Allah, soon we will be able to deliver very good news on this as Türkiye.”^【24】

Germany’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Johann Wadephul, in his remarks to journalists after the meeting, said: “This has gone better than we hoped. So well, in fact, that we have agreed to meet regularly from now on. The next meeting will be hosted by Germany. Everyone accepted my invitation.”^【27】 Wadephul also said: “We realized here that the situation demands coordination, agreement and a unified voice from these eight countries. Because when we say ‘enough is enough,’ we speak with one voice.”^【28】

Wadephul, referring to the impact of the U.S.-Iran war on regional security and oil prices and the Russia-Ukraine War’s effect on grain exports and the threat of famine in Africa, said: “The effects of these conflicts are strongly felt in all eight countries. Naturally, these impacts manifest in different ways. They clearly demonstrate an urgent need to prevent further escalation of these conflicts. In the coming days, we aim to work with all our counterparts to encourage a return to negotiation rather than the use of force. But as I mentioned this morning, there is, of course, no simple or ready-made solution.”^【29】

Wadephul noted that attacks by Iran and the Houthis on international maritime transport are creating pressure on the global economy and affirmed support for Saudi Arabia’s self-defense against Houthi attacks. Wadephul emphasized that the commitments of the European Union’s Aspides naval mission must be implemented through concrete steps and called for the creation of conditions to support the legitimate government in Yemen and resume negotiations with the Houthis. Wadephul said: “There is no military solution to this conflict.”^【28】 Wadephul said: “The world is once again looking at the Middle East with great concern. This concern is directed first and foremost at Iran and the Houthis, who must stop firing on ships, airports, infrastructure or their neighbors.”^【29】

Wadephul called on the Tehran administration to abandon excessive demands and remain open to negotiations; noting that the United Kingdom, France and Germany have significant experience in nuclear negotiations, he affirmed their readiness for concrete agreements to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.^【28】

Addressing the impact of the Russia-Ukraine War on global food security, Wadephul stated that new pathways must be found to restart grain shipments from the Black Sea and said: “The key point is that grain ships from both Ukraine and Russia must be able to leave their ports and reach urgently needed destinations — that is, to people suffering from hunger in the global South.”^【28】 Wadephul added: “Putin has deliberately created a new crisis in the global South. It is time to end the horrific attacks on grain shipments in the Black Sea.”^【29】 He noted that this issue was discussed at length during the meeting and added: “We agreed to do everything together to enable the export of grain from both Russia and Ukraine. There is an urgent need for this, and it is in everyone’s interest. New routes must now be found, and everyone wants to help establish sea routes through the Black Sea.”^【28】 Wadephul noted that Fidan has conducted intensive negotiations with both parties on this issue.^【30】

France’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot noted that for the first time, four European countries and four Middle Eastern countries have come together with a shared determination to act for peace and stability. Emphasizing that developments in the Middle East have direct consequences for European countries, Barrot said: “This is an important moment because these eight countries have decided, following today’s highly constructive talks, to continue their work and meet at regular intervals to address issues such as the Iranian regime and the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea or the Black Sea.”^【30】 Barrot recalled France’s support for Saudi Arabia’s efforts to defend its energy infrastructure against Houthi attacks.^【31】

On tensions between the United States and Iran, Barrot said: “A new escalation between Iran and the United States would only create losers and undoubtedly have serious consequences for hydrocarbon prices.” He added: “Therefore, the first thing this group of eight countries will do is call on both sides to exercise maximum restraint, because we cannot afford another escalation in the region.”^【32】

Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani, in his remarks to Italian journalists after the meeting, said: “We want to work together to reduce tensions and guarantee freedom of navigation.” Tajani said: “For industrialized countries, energy is of primary importance. Similarly, food security is important; we must ensure the transport of fertilizers and grain from the Black Sea to Africa and other countries.”^【33】

Tajani said: “We firmly support a policy of dialogue. I do not believe the problem can be solved militarily. If we want to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to navigation, we must encourage dialogue.” He stated that Iran must understand that it cannot sustain this stance and added: “We also support Italy’s efforts to guarantee freedom of navigation in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, where Italian soldiers are deployed under the European Union’s ASPIDES mission in the Red Sea and the Atalanta mission further south.” Thus, Italy is taking a leading role in these peace-oriented efforts.^【34】

Regarding Israel’s decision to impose a total blockade on the West Bank, Tajani said: “We do not agree with this decision.” He added: “However, Israel cannot solve its security concerns by targeting the Palestinian people, especially peaceful Christian villages. Hamas must be disarmed, stability must be restored in Gaza, and terrorists must be completely disarmed and neutralized. This is a crucial issue. However, we cannot ignore the importance of establishing a Palestinian state. As we have always said, the West Bank and Gaza must be reunified, and then the Palestinian National Authority must be strengthened to establish an independent state that recognizes Israel and is recognized by Israel.^【35】

Tajani, referring to the arrest of five Italian female activists by the Israeli army in the West Bank, said: “They committed no crime. Of course, we condemn the violent Israeli settlers responsible for these events. We Italians demand the immediate release of the five women arrested by the Israeli army. We hope they will be returned to Italy within the coming hours.”^【36】

While the participating ministers were issuing these warnings, the U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, stated on a podcast program hosted by Mario Nawfal on a social media platform that Washington could “definitely” strike Iran that weekend. Barrack noted that U.S. President Donald Trump is “open to an agreement, ready and accessible,” but also “very clear about what he wants.” Barrack claimed that a potential U.S. military operation against Iran does not aim for regime change and that Trump is interested in “the release of hostages, the absence of threats, and a new equilibrium that allows the world to calm down.”^【32】

Wadephul stated that the foreign ministers of the R4 and E4 countries have agreed to hold meetings on a regular basis and that Germany will host the next meeting, with all eight countries accepting the invitation. Wadephul noted that preparations for the next meeting will begin shortly.^【37】 Tajani said: “We will meet again in Berlin, Cairo and then Rome to continue working for peace by building a common stance between European and Muslim countries.”^【35】