Türkiye has stepped up diplomatic efforts to halt the escalating conflict in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire and renewed negotiations as fighting between the United States, Israel and Iran threatens to destabilise the wider region.
Speaking at a press conference in Ankara alongside German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye is actively engaging both Tehran and Washington in efforts to end the war.
Fidan stressed that negotiation and dialogue are now essential, warning that the conflict has reached some of its most intense moments in recent days. He emphasised that Türkiye’s main priority is preventing further escalation.
The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched joint air strikes on Iran, triggering retaliatory drone and missile attacks by Tehran targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and several Gulf countries hosting US military bases. According to Iranian authorities, the strikes have killed more than 1,300 people, including Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei.
Fidan also warned against attempts to exploit ethnic or sectarian divisions within Iran, saying Türkiye strongly opposes any plans aimed at provoking civil war or destabilising the country. He stressed that Iran’s territorial integrity must be respected.
The Turkish foreign minister also criticised Israel’s continued bombardment of Lebanon, warning that the attacks could push the country towards collapse. He noted that the conflict has already displaced around one million people.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated calls for de-escalation, saying Ankara is working intensively to bring the parties back to the negotiating table and achieve a ceasefire.
Erdogan said Türkiye is trying to “extinguish the fire before the flames grow larger,” while continuing diplomatic engagement and monitoring developments closely to protect its national security.
German Foreign Minister Wadephul also warned that preventing further escalation is now a priority, calling for international efforts to establish a lasting solution and a credible regional security framework.
Despite the ongoing fighting, Turkish leaders maintain that diplomacy remains the only viable path to ending the conflict and preventing a wider regional war.
Source: Newstimehub
