Erdoğan offers condolences to UAE, Qatar leaders after Iran retaliatory strikes

2026-02-28 - 23:12

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held separate phone calls with senior Gulf leaders Sunday following recent attacks in the region, Türkiye's Communications Directorate announced. In his call with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Erdoğan expressed condolences regarding the attacks on the UAE, and the two leaders discussed the latest regional situation. Gulf Under Fire On Saturday morning, the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran, claiming to remove "threats" posed by Tehran. Iran responded with missiles and drones targeting Israel and US bases in the region. Five Arab countries hosting US military facilities—Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and the UAE—reported explosions and missile interceptions amid the continuing strikes. Qatar Talks Erdoğan also spoke with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, conveying sympathies following the attacks and receiving information on latest developments in Qatar. The calls follow intensive Turkish diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducting nine-nation consultations Saturday and Erdoğan speaking with President Trump.