EDITORIAL: The warning issued by eight European and regional countries against renewed hostilities in the Middle East deserves serious attention in Washington.
The first meeting of the E3+R4 foreign ministers in Istanbul last week brought together Britain, France, and Germany — the European E3 — with Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, collectively known as the Regional Four (R4). Italy also participated. Their rare convergence of views sent a clear message: another military assault on Iran would exacerbate tensions and threaten regional and global stability.
The urgency of this warning was underscored by US President Donald Trump’s recent threat: “We may do another little Epic Fury.” Referring to the earlier American military operation against Iran, his seemingly casual remark betrays a disturbing readiness to contemplate another devastating conflict. In June 2025, Israel launched a major assault on Iran, followed by direct American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
In February this year, the US and Israel launched another massive offensive, killing senior military commanders, political and religious figures, and inflicting extensive damage on the Islamic republic. Yet Iran remained a force to be reckoned with, demonstrating its capacity to retaliate and resist. The lesson is unmistakable: decapitating a leadership, killing regular citizens, and destroying infrastructure do not automatically translate into political capitulation.
Another attack could provoke further Iranian retaliation, draw neighbouring countries into the conflict, and endanger vital energy infrastructure and international shipping. A prolonged disruption of the Strait of Hormuz would threaten global oil supplies, drive up energy prices and disrupt shipments of food and fertiliser.
The economic fallout would extend far beyond the region, with developing countries suffering disproportionately and ordinary citizens worldwide paying the price for decisions taken by political leaders in Washington and Tel Aviv.
Instead of joining Israel in another military adventure, Washington should use its considerable leverage to rein in Tel Aviv’s bellicose leadership.
Israel’s continuing assault on Gaza, settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, as well as wider regional military operations have fuelled profound anger and insecurity. Without a just settlement of the Palestinian question, including the realisation of Palestinian self-determination through an independent, viable Palestinian state, lasting regional stability will remain elusive.
The E3+R4 initiative offers a welcome diplomatic opening at a time when the region is already engulfed in conflict. Pakistan’s mediation efforts, alongside those of Türkiye, Egypt and Saudi Arabia, deserve international support.
Washington should pursue meaningful negotiations with Tehran, encourage confidence-building measures and press all parties to respect sovereignty, protect civilians and safeguard freedom of navigation. European governments, too, should translate their warnings into sustained diplomatic engagement and concerted pressure for de-escalation.
Military superiority cannot guarantee political success, nor can perpetual threats deliver lasting peace.
The choice before Washington is stark: restrain Israel’s belligerent leadership and pursue a negotiated settlement, or risk another war whose consequences could extend far beyond the Middle East. The region needs diplomacy, justice, and restraint—not another round of destruction.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026