Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly advocated for a permanent ceasefire between Iran and Israel, telling NATO leaders that the recent conflict significantly escalated regional risks. He also renewed his urgent call for a lasting truce in Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis.

Speaking at the NATO summit in The Hague, Erdogan underscored Turkiye's welcoming of the Iran-Israel ceasefire, stressing the importance of this de facto calm transitioning into a durable peace. His statements highlight Turkiye's critical stance on Israel's actions in Gaza, which has seen widespread devastation and displacement.

Erdogan's discussions with key European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, consistently focused on the need to address regional tensions and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza.

He emphasized that these ongoing conflicts should not overshadow the desperate plight of Gazans. Turkiye, a NATO member, has been vocal in condemning what it describes as Israel's "state terrorism" against Iran, emphasizing the shared border and the broader implications for regional stability.

The Turkish president also met with US President Donald Trump, commending his efforts in brokering the Iran-Israel ceasefire. Erdogan expressed expectations that all parties would unconditionally adhere to the truce.

Ultimately, Erdogan asserted that diplomatic solutions are the only path forward for resolving issues between Tehran and Washington. He urged all international actors to contribute actively to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East, underscoring the critical need for continued dialogue and cooperation.