Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have backed diplomatic efforts to resolve the US-Israeli conflict with Iran and called for safe, unimpeded shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following regional talks in Istanbul.
ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia have called for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, while urging the swift restoration of safe and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
The four countries, collectively known as the R4 group, made the call in a joint statement following regional diplomatic meetings in Istanbul on October 23. They backed continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation and endorsed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as part of efforts to pursue a negotiated settlement.
The ministers also warned that disruptions to vital maritime routes could affect global supply chains and the movement of energy, fertiliser and food, with consequences for vulnerable populations.
R4 calls for dialogue to resolve Iran conflict
The R4 foreign ministers said the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran should be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy. They also called for an end to attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, including vessels.
The joint statement reaffirmed support for diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation and achieving a lasting negotiated solution. The ministers said their approach was guided by the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.
The statement did not announce a new ceasefire or confirm that the conflict had ended. Instead, it set out the four countries’ diplomatic position and their support for continued efforts toward a negotiated outcome.
Strait of Hormuz access a central concern
The ministers stressed the importance of freedom of navigation, maritime safety and security, and the protection of lawful navigational rights.
They rejected measures or restrictions that impair lawful navigation and called for the “swift and full resumption of safe, secure and unimpeded passage through the Strait of Hormuz”.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key maritime corridor for international energy shipments. Any prolonged disruption can affect shipping operations and supply chains, including the movement of oil, gas and other essential commodities.
The R4 statement also highlighted the potential impact on fertiliser and food supplies, warning that maritime disruption can place additional pressure on vulnerable communities in the region and beyond.
Wider regional talks include European countries
The Istanbul discussions also involved the foreign ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. The eight countries discussed regional conflicts and security concerns, including the US-Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli-Palestinian issue, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, and tensions in the Black Sea.
In a separate joint press release, the eight countries agreed on the urgent need to address regional conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and de-escalation, and to continue discussions aimed at preventing further conflict.
The distinction is important: the specific statement on the Iran conflict and Hormuz passage was issued by the R4 group, while the broader meeting brought together the four R4 countries and their European counterparts.
R4 reiterates support for a Palestinian state
The R4 statement also addressed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The four countries called for implementation of a two-state solution in line with relevant United Nations resolutions.
They reiterated support for an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state based on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statement also called for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza without interruption and for reconstruction efforts in the territory.
The ministers criticised Israeli settlement activities in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem and called for an end to violence against Palestinians.
Condemnation of Houthi attacks
On Yemen, the R4 countries condemned what they described as an escalation by the Houthi movement and denounced attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, civilians, civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The ministers expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and the internationally recognised government of Yemen, calling for an end to military actions and a return to the political process. These characterisations reflect the wording of the joint statement.
