Erdogan Urges Halt to U.S.-Israeli Strikes on Iran

ANKARA, Turkey — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged an immediate halt to the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran on Wednesday, warning that the conflict risks engulfing the entire Middle East unless diplomacy prevails.

Speaking to lawmakers at a parliamentary group meeting of his Justice and Development Party in Ankara, Erdogan described the war as a growing threat that must be contained before it causes broader catastrophe. "This war must be stopped before it grows and the region as a whole is thrown into the fire," he said. "If diplomacy is given a chance, it is very possible to achieve this." He emphasized Turkey's cautious approach amid the tensions, stating that the country is engaging all parties to seek an end to the fighting while protecting its own security.

The conflict escalated 12 days ago with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets, which Erdogan has condemned as a violation of international law. In response, NATO air defenses intercepted two Iranian missiles aimed at southern Turkey last week, where the alliance maintains air and radar bases alongside U.S. forces. NATO has since reinforced its defenses in the area. Erdogan reiterated that...