Arab foreign ministers meet to discuss Iran-Israel conflict

Arab foreign ministers held an emergency meeting in Istanbul on Friday to condemn Israel’s attacks on Iran, a week after the most serious conflict between the arch-rivals began.

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein explained that Baghdad called for the emergency meeting “due to the gravity of the situation.”

“The great danger is not limited to Iran alone, but rather encompasses the entire region. We are facing significant questions and challenges that require decisive collective stances,” Hussein said.

On June 13, Israel launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and assassinated several senior military commanders, triggering counterstrikes from Tehran. The conflict is now in its second week. The escalation abruptly ended indirect nuclear negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

Hussein warned that an expansion of the conflict would have global repercussions, particularly if the strategic Strait of Hormuz is closed, “which could lead to the loss of approximately five million barrels of oil per day to the markets and exacerbate the global economic crisis.”

Hussein reiterated Iraq’s “categorical rejection” of violations of its airspace. Iraq has accused Israel of using its airspace when attacking Iran.

During the meeting, Hussein also called for the resumption of Oman-mediated nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was in Geneva on Friday and met with his British, French, and German counterparts. He told reporters that Tehran is ready for diplomacy once Israel stops its attacks and is “held accountable for the crimes committed.”

He will meet with Arab League diplomats in Istanbul on Saturday, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.

United States President Donald Trump has said that he will make a decision within two weeks on whether the US will become directly involved in the conflict, leaving time “to see whether or not people come to their senses.”

Trump had suggested on Monday that Iran may be open to negotiations, but Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed the possibility, saying that Israeli attacks have “practically emptied the diplomatic process and negotiations of meaning and substance.”

In a joint statement by the European diplomats following their meeting with Araghchi, they called for a de-escalation of tensions and to “urgently find a negotiated solution to ensure that Iran never obtains or acquires a nuclear weapon.”