Newsletters
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Monday that Türkiye will intensify its diplomatic contacts until a ceasefire is established and calm is restored in the region.
Erdogan said that Türkiye’s priority is securing a ceasefire and opening the door to dialogue.
Speaking at an event of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), Erdogan said, “Türkiye is deeply saddened to witness suffering in Iran, where civilians, innocent children bearing brunt of conflict.”
“We want bloodshed to stop, tears to cease, and for our region to finally attain lasting peace it has long yearned for,” the Turkish president added.
Earlier, Erdogan discussed regional and global developments, as well as issues on NATO’s agenda, with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in a phone call following the attacks on Iran and the subsequent clashes.
According to a statement from the Turkish Communications Ministry, Erdogan told Rutte that Türkiye is “carefully monitoring the conflict in the region,” stressing that “giving diplomacy a chance is important for achieving lasting peace.”
Erdogan also said preparations for the NATO Leaders Summit, to be held in Ankara in July, are ongoing and that “Türkiye will host the summit in a manner befitting its importance.”
Rutte said NATO will “continue to contribute to ensuring the security of its allies with a 360-degree perspective.”
Erdogan also held a telephone conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, according to a statement from the Presidency’s Communications Directorate.
The talks addressed the attacks on Iran and the subsequent conflict. Noting that the clashes are negatively affecting regional and global security, Erdogan said it is important to increase peace-focused contacts and encourage the parties to return to the dialogue table to ensure lasting peace in the region.
The phone calls came after the United States and Israel launched a major offensive against Iran on Saturday, killing several high-ranking Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In response, Iran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and regional sites hosting US military assets, further escalating tensions across the Middle East.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
