Erdogan and Mohammed bin Salman Discuss Regional Crisis
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a telephone conversation regarding the latest developments in the region.
According to a post on the Turkish Presidency’s social media, Erdogan conveyed his concerns that “the conflict will have serious consequences for regional and global security if necessary intervention is not undertaken.”
He also stated that Turkey and Saudi Arabia are undertaking “significant efforts” to resolve differences through dialogue, whilst affirming that giving diplomacy a chance is “the most rational approach.”
Previously, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran to refrain from launching a retaliatory attack following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. For his part, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian asserted that such a grave crime would not go unanswered.
“Iran has just stated that it will attack very hard today, harder than before,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Saturday (28 February), in response to Tehran’s claims that it would launch a stronger retaliatory strike than previously.
“However, they should not do so, because if they do, we will strike them with a force never seen before,” he added.
The warning emerged amid sharp escalation between Washington and Tehran following a combined US and Israeli strike that killed Khamenei and several senior Iranian officials.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian condemned the killing of Khamenei as a grave crime and affirmed his country’s commitment to retaliation.
In an official statement from the presidential office, Pezeshkian described Khamenei’s death as a turning point that would usher in a new chapter in the history of the Islamic and Shia worlds.
He also stated that the sacrifice of the Supreme Leader would become a symbol of resistance against what he termed American-Zionist oppression and criminality.
“This grave crime will not go unanswered and will open a new page in the history of the Islamic and Shia worlds. The pure blood of this high leader will flow like a rushing spring and will sweep away American-Zionist oppression and criminality,” Pezeshkian said.
He added that Iran would act with the full force and determination of the state and with support from the Islamic community and sympathetic international publics.
“With all our strength and resolve, with the support of the Islamic world and free peoples throughout the world, we will make the perpetrators and commanders of this crime regret it,” he stated.
As a mark of respect, Pezeshkian also announced seven additional days of national holiday, supplementing the 40-day official mourning period that had already been established.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates expressed solidarity in facing Iranian threats. Foreign Minister Sugiono and Defence Minister Sjafrie met with President Erdogan in Istanbul to convey the results of the 2+2 dialogue and reaffirm bilateral strategic cooperation, with particular emphasis on strengthening cooperation in industry, halal products, and agriculture.