Foreign ministers from the G7 nations convened on the picturesque Italian island of Capri to deliberate on imposing additional sanctions on Iran in the wake of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The meeting, graced by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, was overshadowed by Iran’s recent assault on Israel.
Scheduled to run until Friday, the gathering saw discussions centered around the United States’ plans to implement fresh sanctions targeting Iran’s missile and drone activities, with an expectation for allied nations to follow suit.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, leading the talks in Capri, hinted at deliberations on the types of sanctions to be imposed on Iran. Sources suggest that the G7 nations are likely to advocate for individual sanctions against individuals involved in Iran’s missile supply network.
The recent drone and missile strike by Iran, prompted by an attack on its Damascus consulate, has only exacerbated tensions amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. Expressing concerns over potential Israeli retaliation, leaders like Germany’s Annalena Baerbock and Britain’s David Cameron have called for restraint.
Cameron has urged the G7 to collaborate on implementing coordinated sanctions against Iran, holding the country accountable for fostering instability in the region. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell voiced intentions to expand sanctions on Iran, focusing on its armament exports to Russia and proxy groups in the Middle East.
The ministers are set to deliberate on the evolving Middle East scenario, followed by discussions on the Huthi attacks in the Red Sea disrupting global maritime trade. Special sessions with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba will shed light on the situation in Ukraine, with an emphasis on expediting air defense system deliveries to Kyiv.
Friday’s agenda will address tensions in the Indo-Pacific region before concluding with a news conference by Italian Foreign Minister Tajani. Security measures were visibly heightened on Capri, a renowned tourist destination.
Blinken is slated to engage in bilateral meetings, including discussions with Tajani and Kuleba as the deliberations continue.
