Türkiye warns of risk of Israeli conflict spreading, calls for cease-fire

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that ongoing Israel poses a serious risk of spreading across the region. In a press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul, Fidan highlighted the global repercussions of the violence in Gaza and Lebanon, urging all parties to exercise restraint.

Fidan’s remarks came during a joint press conference in Istanbul with his Iranian counterpart Araghchi, as both countries emphasized the growing risks of conflict spreading throughout the region.

Israel’s aggressive actions escalate tensions

Fidan highlighted the potential for Israel’s military actions to spark a wider regional conflict, stressing that the “risk of war spreading across the region must never be underestimated.”

He further explained that the tensions in the Middle East could have serious global ramifications, warning that both regional countries and international actors must avoid taking irreversible steps.

“We are in the midst of tension that could have serious repercussions globally,” Fidan noted.

Speaking in Istanbul, Fidan condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, warning that they were forcing Iran into a defensive posture. “Israel’s aggressive stance is forcing Iran to take legitimate steps,” Fidan said.

Türkiye’s engagement with Hamas and Palestinian reconciliation

Fidan revealed that Türkiye had met with a Hamas delegation on Friday, discussing efforts to provide more humanitarian support to Gaza. He also emphasized the importance of Palestinian internal reconciliation, describing it as “strategic” for peace and stability in the region.

“The internal unity of Palestinians is key to their future, and Türkiye supports all efforts to achieve this,” Fidan said, adding that Türkiye’s aid to Gaza has exceeded 84,000 tons so far.

The Turkish foreign minister stressed the need for immediate deescalation in the region. Fidan said Friday’s meeting with the Hamas delegation discussed efforts to provide more humanitarian aid to Gazans and create international mobilization.

“We consider Palestinian internal reconciliation as very important, strategic,” Fidan added.

During the press conference, Fidan reiterated the urgent need for a cease-fire in Gaza to prevent further casualties and to facilitate the provision of humanitarian aid. He criticized Israel’s ongoing attacks in Lebanon and Gaza, calling for an end to hostilities and the immediate delivery of aid to civilians. Since Oct. 2, no aid has reached northern Gaza, leaving millions of residents in increasingly dire conditions.

Iran calls for cease-fire, warns of regional war

Araghchi echoed Fidan’s concerns, warning that the spread of war in the region poses a “serious threat.” He reiterated Iran’s stance in support of a permanent and immediate cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon, accusing the Israeli regime of war crimes. Araghchi added that while Iran favors peace, it is also prepared for any scenario should the situation worsen.

Araghchi added that Türkiye’s stance “in supporting Palestinian people, standing up against Israel’s crimes is commendable”.

“Spread of war in the region is a serious threat; we are in favor of peace but are also prepared for any scenario,” the Iranian foreign minister said.

“Israeli regime knows no limits in its war crimes, we support permanent, immediate cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon,” he added.

Türkiye and Iran urge global attention

Both ministers underscored the global ramifications of continued violence. Fidan emphasized that the risk of the Israeli conflict spreading across the region “must never be underestimated” and noted that the international community should not ignore the “tensions that could have repercussions globally.”

Türkiye-Iran relations

Araghchi highlighted the importance of strengthening relations between Türkiye and Iran, noting that there are “no limits” to expanding cooperation between the two nations. He emphasized shared goals of economic development, regional peace, and stability.

“We will continue to enhance our ties with Türkiye in all areas, including trade, energy, and security,” he said.

During the press conference, Araghchi underscored Iran’s call for an immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza and Lebanon. He condemned Israel’s actions, describing them as war crimes and asserting that “the continuation of Israel’s aggressive policies is unacceptable to all regional countries, including Iran and Türkiye.” Araghchi further urged Islamic countries to take action to halt Israel’s military operations.

‘Iran is prepared for any scenario’

Araghchi expressed concerns about the growing possibility of a large-scale war in the region.

“The risk of war spreading across the region is a serious threat, and no one except the Zionist regime wants this war,” he warned. He added that while Iran remains in favor of peace, the country is “prepared for any scenario.”

The Iranian foreign minister also praised Türkiye’s strong stance in support of the Palestinian people. “Türkiye’s support for the Palestinian cause and its opposition to Israeli war crimes is commendable,” Araghchi said, acknowledging the repeated statements from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish Foreign Ministry on this issue.