Turkey is actively mediating between Washington and Tehran to end the escalating Middle East war, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on Thursday, as the conflict raged into its 13th day as regional tensions intensified dramatically across borders. “We have been experiencing the most intense moments of the war in the last few days,” Fidan told reporters in Ankara alongside German counterpart Johann Wadephul.
“This war should end as soon as possible… We are talking to the Iranian side, and we are talking to the American side,” Fidan emphasized during the joint press conference. However, he noted ongoing military operations create complex realities for diplomats working toward peace. “The task now is to prevent a further escalation of this war,” Wadephul added after their Ankara talks concluded.
Consequently, both ministers stressed the urgent need for lasting conflict resolution and reliable regional security architecture, highlighting diplomatic channels remain open despite challenging battlefield developments.
Lebanon Crisis Deepens
Fidan also demanded immediate end to Israel’s bombardment of Lebanon, warning it displaced “nearly a million people.” “Israel’s attacks must end before the Lebanese state collapses,” he stated firmly to international media.
Moreover, he cautioned that state failure would “profoundly affect the entire region,” especially neighboring countries, with Lebanese authorities reporting over 687 deaths while 800,000 people registered as displaced since Hezbollah’s retaliation.
Additionally, Turkey monitors potential refugee movements from Iran, though none have materialized yet. “It is entirely right and prudent for Turkey to also consider the consequences,” Wadephul said regarding refugee concerns. “We have a common interest in preventing this from happening,” he concluded. Therefore, regional stability depends on swift diplomatic breakthroughs and humanitarian protection measures.
