Erdoğan warns UK premier of serious instability risk from Iran attacks
2026-03-08 - 06:52
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan conveyed strong concerns to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday regarding the recent escalation following US-Israeli attacks on Iran, warning that extended interventions could endanger stability far beyond the immediate region. The Turkish leader stressed that Ankara is closely monitoring the situation and believes dialogue remains a viable path forward. "Türkiye is closely monitoring the process that began with the attacks on Iran. If the interventions are prolonged, they could cause significant damage to regional and global stability," Erdoğan told Starmer during the telephone conversation, according to a statement from the Turkish Communications Directorate. The president emphasised that measures can still be taken to establish a dialogue platform, adding that Ankara's peace-focused efforts continue despite rising tensions. Bilateral Ties and Defence Cooperation The discussion between the two leaders extended beyond the Iran crisis to encompass bilateral relations and broader regional issues. Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye's strong commitment to deepening cooperation with the United Kingdom across multiple sectors, with particular emphasis on the defence industry. According to the official readout, the Turkish president underlined that steps will continue to advance this strategic collaboration, reflecting the growing importance of UK-Türkiye ties in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape. The conversation signals Ankara's active diplomacy in engaging key NATO allies while maintaining its independent foreign policy stance on regional crises. Ankara's Mediation Role Erdoğan's warning to Starmer comes as Türkiye positions itself as a potential mediator capable of bridging divides between conflicting parties. The Turkish leader's emphasis on "measures that can still be taken to build a dialogue platform" underscores Ankara's longstanding ambition to facilitate negotiations in regional conflicts. Türkiye maintains diplomatic channels with both Tehran and Western capitals, placing it in a unique position to convey concerns and explore de-escalation possibilities. The phone call with Starmer represents another step in Ankara's efforts to shape the international response to the crisis while protecting its national interests amid growing instability on its eastern borders.