Erdoğan, Merz discuss Iran crisis and regional security in phone call
2026-03-02 - 22:32
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke by phone Monday with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to address the escalating crisis following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory actions. According to Türkiye's Communications Directorate, the conversation centered on the rapidly deteriorating security situation and its implications for regional stability. Regional conflicts threaten global security During the call, Erdoğan emphasized that the conflicts unfolding in the region are having adverse effects on both regional and global security. The Turkish leader's assessment reflects growing concern that the confrontation, which began with Saturday's US-Israeli offensive that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials, could spiral beyond the Middle East and draw in major powers. Call for dialogue and peace initiatives Erdoğan stressed the importance of increasing peace-focused engagements in the region and encouraging all parties to return to the dialogue table to ensure lasting calm. The president's message to the German chancellor underscores Ankara's consistent position that diplomatic solutions remain the only viable path to resolving the escalating conflict, now in its fourth day with Iran having launched drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and regional locations hosting US military assets. Türkiye-Germany coordination The phone call represents an important channel of communication between Ankara and Berlin as European leaders grapple with the widening crisis on NATO's southeastern flank. Germany, as a key European Union member and NATO ally, maintains significant diplomatic and economic interests in regional stability. Erdoğan's outreach to Merz continues Türkiye's intensive diplomatic engagement with Western capitals, following similar calls with US President Donald Trump, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. As the conflict shows no signs of de-escalation, coordination between Ankara and Berlin could prove crucial in shaping the international response to the unfolding crisis.