Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan discussed the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in a phone call on Friday, warning that the escalation could result in migration movements and risks of nuclear contamination, according to a statement from the Turkish Presidency.
Erdoğan said the confrontation, which began with Israel’s strikes on Iran, had heightened regional security concerns. He told Merz the situation posed potential consequences not only for the Middle East but also for Europe.
The statement said Erdoğan underlined that Iran’s nuclear disputes should be resolved through negotiations and that Ankara would continue efforts aimed at de-escalation.
The call came as the conflict entered its eighth day. Turkey has increased its diplomatic contacts with regional and international actors since the start of hostilities.
The humanitarian and military toll continues to rise. Reuters reports over 639 killed and more than 1,300 injured in Iran following Israeli strikes, while at least 24 have died in Israeli territory from Iranian missiles and drones. International leaders and rights groups are urging de-escalation as fears grow over a broader regional fallout.