Fidan holds 9-nation diplomatic blitz as US-Israeli strikes on Iran escalate tensions

2026-02-28 - 21:02

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan launched an intensive diplomatic effort Saturday, holding back-to-back phone calls with counterparts from nine countries and the European Union following joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Fidan spoke with foreign ministers from the UAE, Spain, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Indonesia, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Regional Consultations During the calls, top diplomats discussed the latest developments in the region and possible steps to end the attacks. Fidan's outreach spanned key regional players—including Iran itself, Gulf Arab states, and European partners—reflecting Ankara's effort to coordinate de-escalation amid rapidly escalating conflict. Crisis Context Israel and the US launched a joint military operation against Iran early Saturday, citing alleged threats from Tehran. The strikes followed the latest round of US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, which concluded Thursday under Omani mediation with both sides describing the atmosphere as serious and constructive. Last June, the US struck three Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day Israel-Iran conflict. Fidan's diplomatic blitz underscores Türkiye's role as a regional actor seeking to prevent broader war.