President Vladimir Putin of Russia and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, on Friday held talks on the ongoing conflict involving Iran and the broader tensions in the Persian Gulf.
Both leaders expressed concern over the escalation, noting its far-reaching impact on global energy markets, trade, and logistics. They reaffirmed their support for a ceasefire and called for peaceful negotiations that would reflect the interests of all parties in the region.
Putin and Erdoğan also agreed to strengthen security cooperation in the Black Sea region and deepen economic ties, particularly in the energy sector through ongoing strategic projects.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would intensify its military operations against Iran, vowing continued strikes to weaken what he described as a “terrorist regime.”
Speaking in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said Israeli forces were targeting key infrastructure and military leadership, adding that significant damage had already been inflicted on Iran’s industrial capacity.
He further stated that Israel’s actions had reduced Iran’s ability to fund and produce weapons, particularly those linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Netanyahu also disclosed that Israel was acting in close coordination with the United States, insisting that military operations would continue until strategic objectives are achieved.
In addition, he defended Israeli strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, describing them as necessary to expand and secure buffer zones for northern communities.
On the Iranian side, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticised the United States, dismissing claims that Iran had been weakened. Reacting to reports of a downed US fighter jet, he suggested that Washington’s strategy had shifted from regime change to recovering its personnel.
The latest developments underscore rising geopolitical tensions, with global powers increasingly drawn into the conflict and diplomatic efforts yet to yield a breakthrough.
