At the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, Erdogan also highlighted the significance of approaching the Iran conflict with ‘prudent understanding’ to bring it to a close.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, on Friday, called on the United States and Iran to avoid any incitement from Israel and to leverage the present truce to strive for long-term peace.
“We should not let arms take the place of dialogue,” he stated at the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey.
Let it not be overlooked, the quickest way to achieve peace is through conversation and diplomatic efforts. Peace is not a bird with only one wing.
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His comments were made as Washington and Tehran considered their next moves following a brief pause in hostilities, with Turkey aiming to position itself as a potential mediator in the situation.
The strike by the US and Israel against Iran, which began on February 28, has resulted in thousands of fatalities and caused instability in the Middle East.
The dispute has sparked concerns of a significant oil crisis by hindering shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for roughly a quarter of worldwide maritime oil trade, including substantial amounts of liquefied natural gas.
Following Erdogan’s speech, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned on social media that the Strait of Hormuz remained accessible to all commercial ships for the duration of a 10-day truce facilitated by the US, which was between Israel and Lebanon and seemed to be maintaining on Friday.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a social media update that the strait was “prepared for complete passage” shortly after. In a later message, he mentioned that the U.S. naval embargo on Iranian vessels and harbors “will continue to be fully enforced” until an agreement is made to halt the conflict.
Trump previously stated that the Iran ceasefire, set to end next week, could be prolonged but did not think it would be required since Tehran was interested in reaching an agreement.
On Friday, Erdogan highlighted to the international conference the significance of approaching the Iran conflict with “careful insight” to bring it to a close.
“One should always be prepared and watchful against Israel to sabotage the talks,” he said.
The Turkish leader criticized Israel’s actions since the conflict between Israel and Gaza started in October 2023, following an assault by Hamas militants from Gaza.
Erdogan pointed out that thousands of Palestinians, including children, have been killed and injured in the conflict in Gaza.
“We need to recognize that describing the situation in Gaza as a humanitarian crisis is insufficient,” he stated, emphasizing that multilateral organizations require reform due to their inability to provide even basic protection for infants.
What makes it possible to believe that we would stay inactive amidst this systemic crisis?
The leader of Turkey stated that the ongoing conflicts highlighted the importance of broadening the multilateral system to ensure it does not benefit only strong countries.
Erdogan informed delegations from over 150 nations at the conference that Turkey is prepared to take an active part in promoting peace in international disputes, such as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The conflict in Ukraine has caused devastation and a tragic loss of life,” he stated. “We are hopeful that the war will conclude through a process of dialogue and negotiation.
Turkey and Israel have been involved in a sharp “battle of rhetoric” this month, fueled by the continuing conflict with Iran, which has further complicated their already tense relationship.
Earlier in the day, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated at the forum that Israeli expansion, which he claimed started with the Gaza war and extended to the Iran conflict, had turned into a danger for the region.
“He stated that we must make a coordinated effort to take collective global actions,” referring to attaining peace and safety.
Turkey, a neighboring country to Iran, has maintained close communication with the United States, Tehran, and mediator Pakistan. It has consistently urged for an end to the conflict, which it claims is unwarranted.
The ministers of foreign affairs from Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt are set to gather during the Antalya Forum to address the ongoing conflict.
Pakistan has established itself as a crucial facilitator in regional diplomacy, having organized discussions between Iran and the United States over the weekend, which concluded without reaching any definitive outcomes.
Further reporting by Associated Press
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This piece was first published in the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), a top news outlet covering China and Asia.
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