Key facts
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed an announced agreement between the United States and Iran.
- Erdogan expressed hope the agreement would lead to lasting regional peace and security.
- He urged all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate tensions before the formal signing.
- Leaders from Japan, Germany, and New Zealand also welcomed the US-Iran agreement.
- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called the agreement a 'major step' and hoped for steady implementation.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated the leaders of Iran and the US, seeing potential for a broader diplomatic breakthrough.
- New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters urged swift implementation and maintaining momentum.
- The broader conflict began on February 28, reportedly sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
- Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
- Israel retaliated with air raids and ground troops, causing significant displacement in Lebanon.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed an announced agreement between the United States and Iran, expressing hope that it will contribute to long-term regional stability. Erdogan urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and avoid rhetoric, provocations, or actions that could escalate tensions in the period leading up to the formal signing of the agreement, warning against possible sabotage.
Leaders from Japan, Germany, and New Zealand also welcomed the agreement. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi described it as a 'major step' and hoped for steady implementation, ensuring 'free and safe navigation' through the Strait of Hormuz. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz congratulated the leaders of Iran and the United States, suggesting the agreement could pave the way for a broader diplomatic breakthrough. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters called for swift implementation and urged all parties to maintain momentum, noting the situation remains fragile.
The broader conflict, which began on February 28, was reportedly sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran, leading to retaliatory attacks across the region. Turkey has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to mediate an end to the confrontation, with Foreign Minister Fidan stating that Turkey is talking to both the Iranian and American sides. Turkey's strategic interests in mediating are significant, including the risk of war spillover to NATO members and economic concerns related to energy prices.
The conflict escalated when Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israeli strikes. Israel retaliated with ongoing air raids and ground troop incursions into border areas, resulting in significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon.