A high-level summit addressing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz will convene in Istanbul this Sunday, led by Germany and Turkey, and notably excluding US and Israeli participation.

Foreign ministers from the E3 nations—Germany, France, and the UK—will join counterparts from the R4 group, which includes Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, for a critical meeting on the Strait of Hormuz crisis. The summit, set to take place in Istanbul, aims to discuss regional collaboration to address shipping disruptions and economic fallout following heightened tensions in the Gulf region. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul is confirmed to attend the unprecedented gathering. The exclusion of the US and Israel from the talks underscores a shift towards localized diplomatic solutions.

The discussions will center on mitigating maritime disruptions and exploring paths to long-term peace in the region. German and Turkish officials have emphasized shared interests with the R4 group, particularly regarding energy security and minimizing economic impacts on global gas supplies. The summit is also expected to address broader issues, including food security linked to stalled Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea. Efforts to revive a grain-export agreement previously brokered by Turkey will be a significant agenda item.

While a unified statement is uncertain, the meeting itself signals growing regional alignment on security and economic concerns. Wadephul recently engaged in discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, reaffirming mutual support for maritime freedom in Hormuz. However, with US-led diplomatic attempts faltering, Berlin and Ankara’s initiative represents a notable shift in strategy. This summit marks the first of its kind, reflecting rising urgency for collaborative resolutions within the Gulf and beyond.