Erdoğan warns Oman's sultan of 'unprecedented security crisis' from Iran war

2026-03-18 - 22:29

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan conveyed grave concerns about the widening Iran conflict to Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq during a phone call Wednesday, warning that the escalating violence threatens to plunge the region into an unprecedented security crisis. The conversation highlighted Ankara's active diplomatic engagement with Gulf states as the war enters its third week. Regional spillover risks According to Türkiye's Communications Directorate, Erdoğan stressed that "the attacks on Iran, followed by Iran's retaliation against neighboring brotherly countries in the region, have put the region at risk of an unprecedented security crisis." The president specifically emphasized that attacks targeting Oman are unacceptable, reflecting concern that the conflict could engulf Gulf nations not directly party to the US-Israeli offensive against Iran that began Feb. 28. Diplomacy continues Erdoğan reaffirmed that Türkiye "has not given up on diplomatic efforts, including mediation, even under the current circumstances, and that such efforts will continue." The message underscores Ankara's determination to maintain communication channels with all parties even as hostilities intensify. The president's outreach to Oman follows similar calls with Iranian, Russian and other regional leaders as Türkiye pursues a multifaceted diplomatic initiative. Gaza, Jerusalem concerns raised Beyond the Iran conflict, Erdoğan raised ongoing issues in Palestine, describing Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu government blocking Muslim access to Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque as "unacceptable." He noted that Gaza remains in dire need of humanitarian aid and called for continued efforts by the recently established Board of Peace toward a two-state solution. The president also extended best wishes to the Omani sultan ahead of Eid al-Fitr, concluding the call on a note of Islamic solidarity.