Ankara, Turkey. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said the war in Iran must be stopped before it spreads across the Middle East, urging that diplomacy be given a chance. His comments came as NATO increased air defences in southern Turkey after intercepting Iranian missiles.
Erdogan warns of wider regional escalation
Erdogan told lawmakers in parliament on Wednesday that the war must be halted before it grows and the region is “thrown into the fire.” He said a diplomatic solution was possible if given an opportunity.
He said Turkey was speaking carefully and acting with caution to protect itself from the surrounding conflict, adding that Ankara was engaging with all sides to seek an end to the war.
NATO intercepts missiles and strengthens defences
NATO air defences have in the last week intercepted two Iranian missiles headed toward southern Turkey, where there are air and radar bases used by NATO and the United States. The alliance has since beefed up defences in the area.
Turkey’s mediation offer and security warning
Turkey had offered to mediate between the sides before U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran began 12 days ago. Erdogan has repeatedly called for diplomacy to end the conflict, while also warning that Turkey would respond to any threats to its national security.
Opposition criticism over approach to Trump
Ozgur Ozel, chairman of Turkey’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), told Reuters on Wednesday that Erdogan had avoided criticising U.S. President Donald Trump by name in order to maintain their good personal rapport, and said this had emboldened the U.S. leader.
Ozel said Ankara’s “shy silence regarding Trump’s actions, and its failure to take a stance against that disproportionate force, is not neutrality,” adding that the United States was not taking Turkish sensitivities into account during the conflict.
Erdogan’s stance on actions by the United States, Israel and Iran
Erdogan has criticised U.S., Israeli and Iranian actions and has called the U.S.-Israeli air campaign a “clear violation” of international law.
In his comments, he has refrained from mentioning Trump by name. Erdogan’s good personal ties with Trump have helped ease bilateral U.S.-Turkish tensions over the last year.
What do you think Turkey’s role should be in efforts to end the conflict?