Fear of escalation in the Middle East
G7 states are making a clear statement to Iran – but also to Israel
April 19, 2024, 6:25 p.m
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Two trouble spots are putting pressure on the foreign ministers of the G7 countries: the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. The Group of Seven is committed to strengthening Kiev’s air defenses. She demands that Tehran and Tel Aviv exercise restraint.
After the alleged Israeli retaliatory strike against Iran, the West is doing everything it can to avoid any expansion of the conflict in the Middle East. After a meeting in Capri, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven democratic industrial nations (G7) called on all sides to avoid escalation at all costs. The appeal was also expressly aimed at Israel. The G7 promised Ukraine more military help against air strikes in the war against Russia. But there were no concrete promises.
Despite all the appeals from Ukraine not to be forgotten, the spring meeting of foreign ministers on the Italian Mediterranean island was dominated by the conflict in the Middle East. There is great concern that Israel will respond in kind to the massive attack from Iran last weekend. This would mean that the decades-long conflict in the Middle East would reach a new dimension after more than six months of war in the Gaza Strip.
When assessing the alleged retaliatory strike on targets in Iran on Friday night, the Group of Seven – the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Japan, France, Italy and Germany – was conspicuously reserved with its assessments. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock reported that they had been in constant contact throughout the night. Like everyone else, she did not officially confirm the reports of Israeli attacks.
“We call on all parties to avoid escalation”
When asked several times, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken only repeated that he would “not go into detail about it – other than to say that the United States was not involved in any offensive operations.” Baerbock warned that now is “the hour when everything must be done to ensure that no escalation occurs with unforeseeable consequences for the entire region.” She called on all sides to “work to avoid further escalation.”
Concern about a major military conflict between Israel and Iran – and possibly other actors – is also reflected in the final declaration of the three-day meeting. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, as host, said on behalf of the entire group: “The G7 supports Israel’s security. But we call on all parties to avoid escalation.” The statement also called on Iran to end support for Hamas in the Palestinian territories, Hezbollah in Lebanon and other non-state actors.
The continued provision of weapons and related materials to the Houthis in Yemen violates a UN Security Council resolution and “leads to a dangerous escalation of tensions” in the region.
“Russia can end this war today”
After dramatic appeals from Ukraine for more military support, the G7 promised to provide more help against Russian air strikes. “We are particularly committed to strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to save lives and protect critical infrastructure,” the statement said. At the same time, the group called on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to immediately stop the war of aggression against the neighboring country after more than two years.
Russia must withdraw all its armed forces “immediately, completely and unconditionally.” It literally says: “Russia can end this war today.” NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Baerbock had previously urged the partners to deliver additional air defense systems to Kiev as soon as possible. The appeals were directed at the USA, but also at France and Italy. Italian Foreign Minister Tajani promised help from Rome, but without going into details. There was no comment on this from the French side in Capri. Germany is currently preparing to deliver a third Patriot system – but Ukraine says the promises are far from enough.
The other topics of the meeting, such as the increasingly deteriorating relationship with China, relations with Africa, the critical food situation in many countries around the world and cyber security, were pushed into the background by the two big topics of the Middle East and Ukraine. However, all foreign ministers emphasized the importance of cooperation.
Baerbock said: “This is the hour when we as democracies and value partners stand particularly close together.” The annual G7 summit of heads of state and government takes place in the southern Italian region of Apulia in mid-June. The foreign ministers will probably meet twice more after that: in New York in September and again in Italy in November.