Turkey urges global response to ‘Israel’s potential acts of sabotage’ amid ceasefire in Mideast

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday called on the international community to be ready to respond “appropriately to Israel’s potential acts of sabotage” amid the recently declared US-Iran ceasefire, Anadolu Agency reported.

“We also hope for the establishment of a new security and peace architecture in the region, including the normalization of relations between Iran and the Gulf countries on a stronger foundation. As Turkiye, I would like to reiterate that we are ready to play an active role in this process and provide all necessary support,” Fidan said during a joint news conference with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.

Fidan warned that Tel Aviv is “now extending” its genocide in Gaza to Lebanon, stressing that “even before the ink on the ceasefire has dried,” Israel’s attacks in Lebanon, carried out without distinction between children and civilians.

Noting that the two-week temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran may not be sufficient, Fidan said it could be extended if both sides agree.

READ: Israel continues to undermine all efforts to end war: Turkish president

“Our hope and effort will also be in that direction: that these negotiations begin in good faith and reach a successful outcome. The world needs this, and the region needs this. Both Iran and the United States are capable of achieving it, and the regional countries are ready to provide all constructive support,” he further said.

Noting that Turkey welcomed the temporary ceasefire reached between the US and Iran, which also involves Israel, Fidan said he hoped the ceasefire would be fully implemented on the ground, including in Lebanon, and would eventually lead to permanent peace.

Speaking about the upcoming US-Iran talks, Fidan said they are expected to begin on 11th April and would cover difficult issues such as the nuclear file, uranium enrichment, the Strait of Hormuz, and regional security.

He warned that Israel’s large-scale airstrike on Lebanon immediately after the ceasefire announcement was a serious provocation that could make negotiations even more difficult.

Fidan also said the international community increasingly agrees that the war and the attacks on Iran were a mistake.

He argued that regional countries should resolve their problems through dialogue, respect for sovereignty, and regional cooperation rather than through external intervention.

READ: US reinforces military presence in Middle East despite ceasefire