ISTANBUL UNLEASHED
Turkish President Erdogan issues dire warning, suggesting impending catastrophe in potential conflict between Israel and Iran, referring to it as a "no return point".
In a no-holds-barred address, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has issued a stern warning about the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, fearing a catastrophic situation is on the horizon.
"Enough is enough! We must put an end to this madness before it spirals out of control and plunges Europe and Asia into a nightmare lasting years," Erdoğan thundered at a youth forum organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul on June 20.
His blunt remarks were delivered against the backdrop of heightened regional volatility following a string of Israeli airstrikes targeting Iranian interests and Iran's retaliatory measures.
"Make no mistake, this godforsaken saga with Iran is hurtling towards a disaster from which there may be no return," he declared.
"Netanyahu and his cronies should heed this warning - ceasefire, now! The world cannot afford another bloodbath in our already tormented region," the outspoken president demanded.
Erdoğan made it clear that Türkiye stands ready to back any genuine peace effort, but voiced unequivocal opposition to prolonging the carnage in Gaza.
"There's nothing more shameful than the barbarism playing out in Gaza. Israel is callously extinguishing lives in front of the world, with zero concern for decency or morality," he condemned.
"In the occupied territories, there's hardly a building standing, and the Israeli regime keeps pushing its occupation agenda without a shred of scruples."
The president didn't mince words in accusing Israel of starving Gazans as a weapon of war, and of silent complicity by those who remain silent over the atrocities perpetrated by Netanyahu and his cronies.
"Netanyahu and his regime are as infamous as the despotic leaders of yesteryears, like Hitler, for the horrors they've been inflicting for months on end," Erdoğan declared.
Earlier in the day, Erdoğan discussed the dire situation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stressing the potential consequences for Europe, such as mass migrations and nuclear threats, if the conflict escalates further.
However, a telephone conversation with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, set for June 21, is expected to shed light on Erdoğan's diplomatic maneuverings in navigating the Israeli-Iranian standoff[2].
On a separate note, Erdoğan hosted Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in Istanbul later on June 20, following a joint appearance with Azerbaijani President İlham Aliyev at a housing delivery ceremony in Türkiye's earthquake-stricken south the previous day.
"Tensions between Israel and Iran have raised concerns in global politics, particularly in war-and-conflicts and general news as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Türkiye has been actively engaged, urging both parties to ceasefire to prevent a large-scale disaster."
"Furthermore, Syrian refugee crises and nuclear threats have been highlighted as potential risks if the Israeli-Iranian conflict continues to escalate, as discussed by President Erdogan with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz."
