Erdoğan urges EU's von der Leyen to prioritize diplomacy amid Iran tensions

2026-03-01 - 23:22

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan spoke with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday to address the escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent military actions targeting Iran. The conversation, confirmed by Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications, focused on the need for restraint and a return to diplomatic channels. Erdoğan’s call for de-escalation During the telephone dialogue, Erdoğan urged all involved parties to abandon confrontation and engage in constructive diplomacy. The Turkish president emphasized that Ankara stands ready to provide every form of support to facilitate a peaceful resolution. He also underscored the necessity of close coordination between Türkiye and the European Union during this critical period to prevent further instability. Regional situation worsens The diplomatic outreach comes after the US and Israel launched a large-scale attack on Iran on Saturday, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of several high-ranking Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Tehran carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israeli territory, American assets, and various locations in Gulf countries, raising fears of a wider conflict. Türkiye’s role as a stabilizing actor Ankara has consistently positioned itself as a key player in regional crisis management, maintaining communication channels with both Western capitals and neighboring states. The latest US-Israeli operation mirrors a similar offensive last June, which led to a 12-day war before a ceasefire was brokered. As tensions mount once again, Türkiye continues to advocate for de-escalation and diplomatic engagement to prevent further loss of life and regional destabilization.