Ankara, Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Monday criticised US and Israeli attacks on Iran as a “clear violation” of international law, saying Turkey shared the pain of the Iranian people as the conflict widened.
He said Turkey would intensify contacts at every level until a ceasefire is achieved and space is created for diplomacy, warning of serious repercussions for regional and global security if action is not taken.
Condemnation of attacks and call for diplomacy
Speaking at a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner in Ankara, Erdogan said the US-Iran dispute had grown into war after provocations from Israel. He described the attacks as a “clear violation of international law” and said, “As their neighbour and brother, we share the pain of the Iranian people.”
Erdogan said Turkey did not want “fighting, war, tensions, and massacres” across its borders, adding, “Our entire stance regarding the illegal attacks targeting Iran are in that line.”
Turkey’s role and regional concerns
Turkey, a Nato member and neighbour of Iran, had for weeks urged Washington and Tehran to reach an agreement during rounds of negotiations, warning that the region could not handle further destabilisation.
Erdogan warned that if the “necessary intervention” is not made, there could be “serious repercussions” for regional and global security. He also said that “Nobody can handle the burden of the economic and geopolitical uncertainties that such a period will cause,” adding, “This is why this fire needs to be extinguished before it grows any more.”
Complex ties with Iran and relations with Trump
Turkey has had complex ties with Iran, backing opposing sides for years in the civil war in Syria while maintaining cordial relations and strong trade in various areas despite political differences.
Erdogan has also forged close personal relations with US President Donald Trump.
What steps do you think Turkey should take to support a ceasefire and renewed diplomacy in the region?
