Turkish, Russian FMs discuss rising Middle East tensions in phone call

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has spoken by phone with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to address the rapidly escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

The conversation focused on the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the potential regional and global consequences of continued hostilities between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

Both sides reportedly exchanged views on ways to contain the crisis and avoid further destabilization. Fidan voiced deep concern over the unfolding events and emphasized the urgent need for restraint. He underscored Türkiye’s position that diplomacy is the only viable solution for ending the conflict and resolving the long-standing disputes surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.

In the early hours of June 13, Israel launched a strike against Iran, citing growing concerns over its nuclear programme. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that Iran possesses enough enriched uranium to produce several nuclear bombs within days, calling the situation an “imminent threat” that required immediate action.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the strike as a preemptive move, warning that it may be followed by retaliatory missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and its civilian population in the near future. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would not halt its military campaign until it inflicts significant damage on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, ballistic missile production facilities, and broader military capabilities. Meanwhile,

US President Donald Trump - who had previously threatened Iran with bombing if it refused to negotiate a nuclear deal - commented on June 13 that Iran still has “a second chance” to strike an agreement. He clarified that US forces were not involved in Israel’s operation and emphasized that the strike did not come as a surprise to Washington. Russia’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of choosing escalation and “raising the stakes.” The ministry urged all sides to avoid a full-scale war in the region and stressed that any solution to Iran’s nuclear programme must be found through diplomatic means.

By Naila Huseynova