Pakistan at Istanbul R-4+E-3 talks on Iran, Hormuz securityPakistan

The R-4 emerged in March and has been focusing on regional security and mediation efforts between the United States and Iran. The E-3, by contrast, was set up more than 20 years ago to coordinate European diplomatic efforts over Iran’s nuclear programme.

<h2>A first-of-its-kind meeting</h2> A Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters the seven countries would meet in the R-4+E-3 format for the first time at Turkiye&#8217;s initiative, as wars involving Iran, Yemen and Ukraine threaten shipping routes and regional security.

The ministers are expected to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian issue, the latest situation in the Strait of Hormuz, developments related to Yemen, efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war, and opportunities for closer cooperation between the regional and European countries, the source said.

Pakistan&#8217;s Foreign Office in Islamabad had yet to comment on the planned meetings or on the participation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Dawn reported.

<h2>Hormuz and Saudi security in focus</h2> Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan was expected to emphasise the need for a diplomatic solution to the war between the United States and Iran, underline the importance of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab, and reiterate Turkiye&#8217;s support for Saudi Arabia&#8217;s security against attacks by Yemen&#8217;s Houthi rebels, according to the report.

That support falls under the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Islamabad, Ankara and Riyadh, the source added.

Fidan was also expected to tell his counterparts that Turkiye has been working to stop the war in Ukraine from spreading to the Black Sea, pointing to the regional security risks posed by the conflict.

The Istanbul meeting comes at a moment of acute strain across the region. Fresh Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia have pushed international oil prices to a five-month high, while a fragile, indefinitely extended ceasefire between the United States and Iran holds only on paper, with core disputes over a naval blockade and the Strait of Hormuz unresolved.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a mediator between Washington and Tehran in recent months, hosting dialogue rounds and conveying messages between the two sides in Islamabad.