Iran war: European, Mideast ministers meet in Istanbul for talks
European and Middle Eastern foreign ministers met in Istanbul on Friday for talks on the Strait of Hormuz, as energy officials warned Europe faces winter with record-low gas reserves.
Foreign ministers from seven European and Middle Eastern countries gathered in Istanbul on Friday for talks on security in the Strait of Hormuz, as the war between the United States, Israel and Iran threatens a vital global energy route.
Ministers from the E3 group — the United Kingdom, France and Germany — met counterparts from the region for the discussions, Al Jazeera reported. The office of British Foreign Minister Ed Miliband said the talks would focus on the Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East crises, adding that he would press for a diplomatic solution to restore full freedom of navigation.
The meeting comes as US President Donald Trump has signalled possible further military action against Iran, saying the US "knocked the hell" out of the country — remarks that have stoked fears of a wider escalation, according to the Al Jazeera live blog.
Energy officials warned the stakes could hardly be higher for Europe. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency, said Europe is entering winter with historically low gas reserves and cannot withstand further supply shocks.
"Life will not be easy for Europe this year and also next year," Birol said, warning that a harsh winter could send natural gas prices sharply higher, with Europe heavily reliant on Middle Eastern fuel.
Meanwhile, fighting continued on other fronts: the Israeli military said six soldiers were wounded and two suspected attackers killed in a shooting near Hebron, and Saudi air defences intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh.
Source: Al Jazeera English — TrendWire reports stories in its own words; facts should be confirmed against the original source.