In a meeting held in Ankara, Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi have come to an agreement to avoid actions that may destabilize the Middle East. The war in Gaza took center stage in their discussions, with both leaders expressing their concern over Israel’s ongoing attacks and the urgent need for a fair and lasting peace in the region.
During a news conference following the meeting, Erdogan emphasized the importance of refraining from steps that could further threaten regional security and stability. The leaders also pledged to continue their cooperation against cross-border threats. Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Ankara, noted that the primary focus of the meeting was to contain the escalation of the crisis in the region, particularly in Yemen and the Red Sea areas.
Both Erdogan and Raisi reiterated their commitment to the fight against terrorism. Turkey has been vocal in its condemnation of Israel’s attacks on Gaza and has called for an immediate ceasefire, even as it maintains commercial ties with Israel. This stance has drawn criticism both domestically and from Iran.
Iran, which leads the self-proclaimed “axis of resistance” that includes Hamas, Yemen’s Houthis, and other Shia Muslim groups in the region, has accused the United States of supporting Israel’s actions against Palestinians. Raisi called on Muslim nations to sever ties with the “Zionist regime” and stated that cutting economic and political connections could pressure Israel to halt its alleged crimes.
The conflict in Gaza has shown signs of spilling over into the wider region. In response to Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the United States and United Kingdom have targeted sites in Yemen. The Houthis claim that their attacks are aimed at vessels linked to Israel and have vowed to continue as long as the war on Gaza persists. Erdogan strongly condemned the US and UK’s actions in Yemen, labeling them as a disproportionate use of force.
Historically, Turkey and Iran have had complex relations due to various issues, including the Syrian civil war. Turkey has supported rebels attempting to overthrow Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Iran has backed his government. However, in recent times, Turkey has taken steps towards improving ties with Damascus.
The meeting between Erdogan and Raisi signifies a significant development in the region, as two key players come together to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Their agreement to cooperate and their joint condemnation of Israel’s actions highlight their shared concerns about regional stability and the need for a peaceful resolution. As the situation in Gaza remains critical, the international community will be closely observing the actions and statements of both Turkey and Iran.
