Turkish FM warns of World War III risk amid escalating crises

Fidan emphasized Türkiye's diplomatic priority of ensuring regional and global peace during a live broadcast on Monday evening.

"The world needs to take this scenario, this threat seriously," Fidan stated in response to concerns about a larger conflict arising from the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Israel's actions in Gaza, and recent attacks on Lebanon.

Fidan revealed that Türkiye has been engaging in discussions with all actors involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, including direct talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He recently visited Moscow, where he met with several Russian officials to convey President Erdoğan’s messages and discuss the potential for peace. Fidan highlighted the strong cooperation between Türkiye and Russia regarding Syria, bilateral trade, and energy.

The Turkish Foreign Minister also pointed out the increasing risk of nuclear weapons use if the war continues, potentially sparking further conflicts in the region. Türkiye's location, facing the threat of the Russia-Ukraine war in the Black Sea basin and the Israeli threat in the eastern Mediterranean, underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to end these wars.

Fidan criticized the Greek Cypriot administration for allowing Israel to turn part of the island into "an operational base," warning of the threat of regional spillover and calling for preventive actions. He referenced the recent escalation of tensions between Israel and Lebanon and Lebanese actors' threats against Cyprus.

Hezbollah's chief, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has warned that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-scale war broke out and cautioned the Greek Cypriot administration against aiding Israel. The conflict has seen cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, with over 37,600 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas incursion, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Türkiye is actively seeking to mobilize world powers for a permanent solution to the ongoing conflict. President Erdoğan has conducted personal visits and held phone calls with leaders from Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Russia to garner international support. International organizations, including U.N. agencies, have called for a ceasefire in Gaza and increased humanitarian aid access to address severe shortages in medical supplies, food, clean water, and infrastructure. (ILKHA)