Erdogan tells Zelenskyy Iran conflict must not halt Ukraine peace

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ANKARA, TURKEY — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, emphasizing that the ongoing conflict in Iran should not disrupt peace efforts in Ukraine.

The high-level diplomatic exchange highlighted Turkey's strategic priorities, including the safety of navigation in the Black Sea and the protection of critical energy infrastructure. Erdogan's push for continuous diplomatic engagement reflects Ankara's enduring role as a regional mediator, striving to prevent the devastating war in Ukraine from being overshadowed by escalating Middle Eastern crises.

Peace negotiations must not lose momentum

During the call, the leaders evaluated the broader implications of global instability on the ongoing war in Eastern Europe. According to a statement from the Turkish Communications Directorate reported by Anadolu Agency, President Erdogan explicitly stressed that the escalating conflict process in Iran must not hinder the search for peace in Ukraine.

Erdogan noted that it would be highly beneficial to continue peace negotiations without wasting any time. He further underscored the critical importance of healing the deep wounds inflicted upon Ukraine, initiating comprehensive reconstruction activities, and establishing lasting security for the nation. By separating the two major geopolitical crises, Ankara aims to keep international attention and diplomatic pressure focused on achieving a resolution in Ukraine.

Black Sea security and infrastructure protection

A significant portion of the discussion centered on maritime security and economic lifelines. Erdogan reiterated that navigational safety in the Black Sea remains a matter of critical importance for Turkey, which controls the straits connecting the sea to global waters.

To foster a conducive environment for diplomacy, the Turkish President suggested that securing a localized or targeted ceasefire—specifically designed to ensure the protection of energy infrastructure and strategic ports—could significantly contribute to building much-needed trust between the warring parties. The systematic targeting of energy grids and export hubs has been a defining and destructive feature of the conflict, deeply impacting global supply chains and civilian well-being.

Turkey's ongoing mediation efforts

Turkey has consistently positioned itself as a unique geopolitical bridge, maintaining open lines of communication with both Kyiv and Moscow since the onset of the war. Erdogan assured Zelenskyy that Turkey is ready to provide all possible support to facilitate this trust-building process and to help secure critical infrastructure.

This latest phone call reinforces Ankara’s proactive foreign policy doctrine, demonstrating a willingness to navigate complex, overlapping regional conflicts. By pushing for actionable steps like port protection and uninterrupted negotiations, Turkey continues to advocate for a pragmatic approach to ending the war in Ukraine, even as new security challenges emerge in neighboring regions like Iran.

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