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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen held a phone call to discuss the escalating conflict in the region following attacks on Iran, with both leaders stressing that diplomacy remains the only viable path to resolution.
Erdogan used the call to reiterate Türkiye's readiness to serve as a mediator, urging all parties to return to the negotiating table. Von der Leyen, in a post on social media following the conversation, said she welcomed "Türkiye's readiness to mediate and support a resolution through peaceful means."
According to a statement from Türkiye's Directorate of Communications, Erdogan emphasized that Türkiye is prepared to provide all necessary support for the re-establishment of a peace process. He called on all sides involved in the conflict to pursue diplomacy and negotiation rather than further military escalation.
The Turkish president also underscored the importance of maintaining close coordination between Türkiye and the European Union throughout the current crisis.
Von der Leyen confirmed that both she and Erdogan had been in separate contact with key regional partners throughout the day to assess the rapidly evolving situation and explore steps toward de-escalation. She described the instability in the region as something that "impacts us both profoundly," making close coordination between Ankara and Brussels essential.
The EU chief also acknowledged Erdogan's preparedness efforts regarding a potential migration impact from the crisis, noting that Türkiye and the EU "already work together closely on Syria." The remark signals concern in both capitals that a wider regional conflict could trigger new displacement flows, adding pressure to an already strained migration corridor.
Von der Leyen struck a sober tone in closing, warning that "regional and global stability is at stake."
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