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Erdogan, Putin agree diplomacy is needed between Iran and Israel: Turkiye
The Turkish and Russian presidents have discussed regional issues during a phone conversation, according to the presidency in Ankara. Erdogan and Putin agreed that the conflict between Iran and Israel must end and space must be given to diplomacy as soon as possible, it said in a statement.
The Turkish president also repeated his view that the only solution to the crisis was a return to nuclear talks with Iran. Separately, the Kremlin said Putin and Erdogan condemned Israel’s “act of force” against Iran, according to Russia’s Interfax news agency.
“Both sides expressed the most serious concern about the ongoing escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, which has already led to a large number of casualties and is fraught with serious long-term consequences for the entire region,” the Kremlin added.
“The leaders spoke in favour of an immediate cessation of hostilities and the settlement of contentious issues, including those related to the Iranian nuclear programme, exclusively by political and diplomatic means.”
EU dismisses Russia as mediator between Israel and Iran
The European Union says Russia has “zero credibility” as a potential mediator between Iran and Israel, after Trump suggested yesterday that Putin could play a role.
“There has been a recent Russia-Iran partnership agreement, which signals deepening cooperation across multiple areas, including foreign policy and defence,” EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni said.
“In light of such, Russia cannot be an objective mediator.”
Speaking to ABC News on Sunday, Trump said he would be open to Putin being a mediator in the conflict. “He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it,” the US president said.
Neither can the US nor Europe. China seems to be the most neutral but doesn't seem willing to enforce any ceasefire.
Iran going it alone in the fight against Israel
Lina Khatib, a Middle East expert at the Chatham House think tank in London, says Iran is squaring off against Israel without any regional or international backing.
“Iran is battling it out alone,” said Khatib.
Russia will not come to Iran’s aid, she added, pointing out Moscow didn’t help Iran last year when Israel destroyed Russian-supplied air defences or when Iran’s ally, former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, was ousted.
Russia is likely to limit its support for Iran to “strongly worded statements” and will use the conflict to present itself as a mediator, Khatib said.
