Turkish president warns of severe repercussions from Middle East conflicts

2026-03-01 - 16:12

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke by phone Sunday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to coordinate responses to the escalating crisis sweeping the Middle East following US-Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran's retaliatory strikes. The conversation between the two leaders underscores growing concern in Ankara and Riyadh as conflict spreads across the Gulf region. According to a statement from the Turkish Communications Directorate on social media platform NSosyal, Erdogan "shared his concern that the conflicts will have severe repercussions in terms of regional and global security unless necessary intervention is made." The Turkish leader emphasized the urgent need for international action to prevent the crisis from spiraling further out of control. Diplomacy Over Confrontation During the telephone discussion, President Erdogan stressed that Türkiye and Saudi Arabia are carrying out "significant works" aimed at resolving disagreements through peaceful dialogue. He characterized giving diplomacy a chance as the "most rational way" forward amid escalating military confrontation between Iran and US-Israeli forces that threatens to engulf the entire region. The Turkish president's emphasis on diplomatic solutions reflects Ankara's consistent position favoring dialogue and negotiation over military action, particularly as the conflict now directly impacts Gulf nations where Saudi Arabia holds paramount influence. Solidarity With Saudi Arabia Erdogan also took the opportunity to express his good wishes for the Kingdom following the attacks that have reached Saudi territory amid the widening confrontation. His expression of solidarity reinforces the growing strategic partnership between Ankara and Riyadh, which have worked to repair and strengthen bilateral ties in recent years. The phone call comes as Saudi Arabia faces direct security challenges from the escalating conflict, with Iranian retaliatory strikes hitting multiple Gulf countries following Saturday's US-Israeli attack that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several top officials. Tehran's drone and missile campaign has fundamentally altered the regional security landscape, prompting urgent consultations among Gulf capitals. Regional Coordination Intensifies The Erdogan-bin Salman conversation represents part of broader diplomatic efforts to manage the crisis, as regional powers seek to prevent the conflict from expanding further. Both leaders recognize that the current trajectory poses existential threats to regional stability, with potential consequences extending far beyond the Middle East. As the situation continues to develop, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia appear committed to maintaining close coordination, viewing their partnership as essential to navigating the dangerous waters ahead. The call signals that Ankara and Riyadh will work together to promote de-escalation and protect their shared interests amid the most serious regional confrontation in decades.