Turkish FM urges restraint on Middle East conflict

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Saturday called for maximum restraint over the conflict in the Middle East, warning that further escalation could trigger serious and lasting damage across the region.



Speaking at the International Strategic Communication Summit in Istanbul, Fidan said the ongoing tensions risk worsening divisions and affecting countries with closely linked histories.



He stressed that the consequences would go beyond immediate destruction, creating long-term social and psychological impacts.



Fidan warned that prolonged escalation could drag the wider region into instability, adding that similar scenarios had previously been avoided through diplomatic efforts.



Reiterating Turkiye's opposition to further military escalation, Fidan called on all sides to exercise restraint and return to dialogue. Turkiye will continue diplomatic contacts to prevent the conflict from expanding, he added.