Eight countries urge US-Iran restraint and diplomacy in Istanbul

Foreign ministers from the UK, France and Germany (E3) met counterparts from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt (R4), along with Italy, in Istanbul on Friday to discuss the Strait of Hormuz and regional developments. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said none of the participating countries approved another military intervention or attack on Iran, adding that diplomacy and dialogue were the only way to end the war. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned that further escalation "would create nothing but losers" and would have serious consequences for hydrocarbon prices, while Italy's Antonio Tajani said the aim was de-escalation to guarantee freedom of navigation and that the problem could not be solved from a purely military standpoint. The Guardian reported that the ministers also urged Israel not to renew attacks on Iran. Al Jazeera reported that the US ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, said Washington could "absolutely" strike Iran this weekend, a claim that has not been independently confirmed.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Islamabad was in close contact with Tehran and Washington and expected restraint from both, stressing diplomacy to resolve differences including on sanctions, according to Khabar Online, Asr-e Iran and IRNA. Donya-e-Eqtesad quoted a Pakistani official as saying the parties to negotiations must adhere to their commitments under the Islamabad memorandum.