Erdoğan discusses Iran crisis with NATO chief Rutte ahead of Ankara summit

2026-03-02 - 22:32

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone Monday with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to discuss regional and global developments following the escalating conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran. According to a statement from Türkiye's Communications Ministry, the conversation covered the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and key issues on NATO's agenda as the alliance prepares for its upcoming summit in the Turkish capital. Türkiye monitors regional conflict Erdoğan informed Rutte that Türkiye is "carefully monitoring the conflict in the region," emphasizing that "giving diplomacy a chance is important for achieving lasting peace." The Turkish leader's remarks come amid intensifying hostilities that have seen joint US-Israeli strikes kill several senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with Tehran retaliating through drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and Gulf locations hosting US assets. NATO summit preparations underway The conversation also focused on organizational matters, with Erdoğan confirming that preparations for the NATO Leaders Summit, scheduled for July in Ankara, are progressing as planned. The president stated that "Türkiye will host the summit in a manner befitting its importance," underscoring Ankara's commitment to ensuring a successful gathering of alliance leaders. Rutte, for his part, reaffirmed NATO's commitment to collective defense, stating the alliance will "continue to contribute to ensuring the security of its allies with a 360-degree perspective." Alliance coordination amid crisis The phone call represents an important coordination moment between Türkiye and NATO leadership as the alliance navigates a rapidly deteriorating security environment on its southeastern flank. With Iran's retaliatory strikes spreading across the Gulf and Hezbollah now engaged in active confrontation with Israel along Lebanon's border, NATO members face complex challenges in balancing deterrence with de-escalation. Türkiye, as a key alliance member bordering the conflict zone, continues to advocate for diplomatic solutions while maintaining its defensive posture and preparing to host the July summit that will shape NATO's strategic direction amid unprecedented regional turmoil.