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Israel-Iran conflict direction uncertain, nuclear negotiations needed: Turkish VP

An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man inspects the damage at the site of an Iranian missile strike in Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, on June 16, 2025. (AFP Photo)
An Ultra-Orthodox Jewish man inspects the damage at the site of an Iranian missile strike in Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, on June 16, 2025. (AFP Photo)
June 17, 2025 11:40 AM GMT+03:00

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz expressed uncertainty over the trajectory of the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, stating that it is currently difficult to predict its direction, duration, or scope.

At this stage, it is difficult to predict which direction the process will evolve, how long it will last, and in what scope it will continue," he said.

"Our hope is that this tension ends as soon as possible and that the parties return to the negotiation table, especially on the nuclear issue," he added.

Yilmaz answered questions from press members after the Cabinet Meeting held at the Presidential Complex on Monday.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan chairs the cabinet meeting at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye on June 16, 2025. (TUR Presidency/Murat Cetinmuhurdar - Anadolu Agency)
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan chairs the cabinet meeting at Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye on June 16, 2025. (TUR Presidency/Murat Cetinmuhurdar - Anadolu Agency)

Regional security and global stability under threat with Iran-Israel conflict

Responding to a question about the Israel-Iran conflict, Yilmaz said the recent clashes threaten regional security and global stability.

Emphasizing that the region needs stability, not conflicts, Cevdet Yilmaz stated, "At this stage, it is difficult to predict which direction the process will evolve, how long it will last, and in what scope it will continue. Our hope is that this tension ends as soon as possible and that the parties return to the negotiation table, especially on the nuclear issue."

Smoke billows from a site near the Azadi Tower (L) in central Tehran, as fighting between Israel and Iran continues on June 16, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Smoke billows from a site near the Azadi Tower (L) in central Tehran, as fighting between Israel and Iran continues on June 16, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Warning of global economic consequences

Stressing that the international community should focus its attention on resolving the severe humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, Yilmaz said, "As this conflict continues, not only human losses but also environmental threats and economic costs will increase. As these conflicts continue, rising oil prices and affected trade routes will create global consequences that are not limited to regional countries."

"This situation creates a risk environment that will affect not only Türkiye but the entire world economy. The issue we need to focus on is solving problems through diplomacy," VP Yilmaz added.

Smoke billows from a fire in a building in Herzliya near Tel Aviv following a fresh barrage of Iranian rockets on June 17, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Smoke billows from a fire in a building in Herzliya near Tel Aviv following a fresh barrage of Iranian rockets on June 17, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Türkiye's diplomatic efforts

"As Türkiye, we continue our stance in favor of peace, stability and justice. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's intensive diplomatic traffic with leaders is extremely valuable for regional and global peace," Yilmaz said.

"The main issue we need to focus on is taking steps that prepare the ground for negotiation, rather than moves that deepen conflicts. Türkiye will continue to provide all kinds of constructive contributions in this direction," he added.

Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on June 16, 2025. (AFP Photo)
Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on June 16, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Call for diplomatic solutions for Israel-Iran war

The vice president emphasized that prolonged conflicts would result in:

  • Rising oil prices
  • Disrupted trade routes
  • Global economic risks affecting the entire world economy
  • Increased humanitarian losses
  • Environmental threats

Yilmaz stressed that rather than moves that deepen conflicts, steps should be taken to prepare the ground for negotiations, with Türkiye ready to provide constructive contributions toward diplomatic solutions.

June 17, 2025 11:40 AM GMT+03:00
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