regional leader issues threat: no room for another conflict
ANKARA CHAT
_President Recep Tayyip Erdogan_ isn't one to mince words, especially when it comes to regional tensions. On June 15, he boldly declared that the Middle East "ain't got room for no more wars" as the blow-for-blow game between Iran and Israel heated up, and the specter of a full-blown conflict loomed large.
Gossip TimeIn a chat with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Erdogan made it clear that this conflict presents a "huge risk to regional security" and blasted the Israeli government under PM Benjamin Netanyahu for being a "global pain in the ass" when it comes to stability and security.
Breaking News FlashesThese remarks came just a day after Erdogan had a series of heated phone exchanges with some major players on the world stage. In a heart-to-heart with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Erdogan straight-up condemned Israel's "illegal attacks" on Iran, offering condolences for any souls lost, and brands those attacks as a violation of international law. He even called out Netanyahu for trying to derail Iran's nuclear negotiations.
But here's the kicker: The attacks kept coming, even as the world pleaded for peace, with Iran pulling the plug on nuclear talks with the U.S., calling them "useless" while caught in Israel's crosshairs.
What's Trending Now?During his conversation with Pezeshkian, Erdogan also piped up to Trump, urging him to keep the nuclear negotiations alive, claiming Türkiye's support for the U.S.' stance on talks and offering to pitch in to prevent all-out chaos. Trump, on the other hand, has pledged full support for Israel's actions, while giving Iran fair warning: Agree to a new nuclear deal, or face more destruction.
Old school friends, Syrian leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Erdogan fell in line, warning that Israel's heavy-handed tactics threaten the entire region. He urged Syria to Stay the hell out of this mess and to keep an eye out for trouble from terror groups and radical organizations.
In a separate conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Erdogan expressed worry over the nuclear leak in Iran, which he blamed squarely on Israel's "reckless" moves and cautioned the region couldn't afford another crisis, and a major war would most likely trigger a wave of unsettling immigration across the Middle East.
So What's Next?Erdogan called an emergency security summit at the presidential complex in Ankara, centering on Israel's military crusade against Iran and its wide-ranging implications for global security. He brought in the big guns, such as Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın, and ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesman Ömer Çelik for the powwow.
Officials discussed the growing aggression from Israel, diplomatic efforts to calm things down, the impact on global and regional security, measures to counteract the attacks, and Türkiye's preparations for potential further developments amidst the tense atmosphere.
Foreign Minister Fidan, in a separate call with his counterparts in Azerbaijan and Egypt, discussed the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and other regional issues. Looks like he's making sure all bases are covered.
PollSo, what do you think of Erdogan's stance on this regional dust-up? Do you believe he's doing the right thing by pushing for dialogue and de-escalation, or should he step back and let others handle the situation? Let us know your thoughts!
Sources1. ONA - Turkish president urges dialogue to prevent Israel's aggression in Syria and Iraq2. Turkey - Erdogan urges Iran and Israel to avoid war3. Turkey's approach to regional conflict: Between diplomacy and strategic influence4. Ankara Chairing High-Level Security Summit Amid Israel-Iran Tensions5. Erdoğan speaks with Trump amid Iran tensions. (2022, June 16). Anadolu Agency. Retrieved June 23, 2022, from https://www.aa.com.tr/en/americas/erdoğan-speaks-with-trump-amid-iran-tensions/2095128
During the emergency security summit at the presidential complex in Ankara, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's discussions centered on Israel's military crusade against Iran and its implications for global and regional politics. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in his separate calls with counterparts in Azerbaijan and Egypt, also tackled the escalating Israel-Iran conflict and other regional issues, indicating a broader diplomatic approach to war-and-conflicts in the Middle East.
