Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged for a renewed diplomatic approach to end the US-Iran war, following discussions with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the UN climate conference in Antalya, Turkey, according to Erdogan’s office.
Erdogan stated that it is crucial to return to the negotiating table “without further delay.” He expressed Turkey’s commitment to supporting peace efforts, highlighting, “Common ground for agreement must be strengthened and diplomacy given a chance.” He also conveyed hope for a swift resolution to the conflict with the United States.
The current violence, which has escalated since February 28 with US-Israeli strikes that resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has seen Iran retaliate with missile and drone attacks across the region. Support from militant groups in Lebanon, Yemen, and Iraq has further intensified the situation.
During an address at the climate summit, Pezeshkian accused the United States and Israel of causing severe environmental damage due to their military actions against Iran. He described these actions as “criminal and illegal aggression,” asserting that they have released significant pollutants and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Ongoing diplomatic efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan are seeking an end to the conflict, with Iran demanding that the US unfreeze assets and lift sanctions in exchange for reopening the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been blockaded since the inception of hostilities.
