UPDATES WITH EDITS THROUGHOUT
By Merve Berker
The Turkish Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern on Sunday over the US strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, warning it could escalate the regional conflict into a global crisis.
"As Türkiye, we have consistently warned about the risk of the conflict, sparked by Israeli aggression, spreading throughout the region and destabilizing the security environment.
“The US attack carried out today (22 June) on Iran’s nuclear facilities has elevated that risk to its highest level," the ministry said in a statement.
Ankara is “deeply concerned” about the possible consequences of the operation targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, the statement noted.
“The current developments could escalate the regional conflict into a global one. We do not want to see this catastrophic scenario materialize,” it said.
Türkiye also called on all parties involved to act responsibly and "to cease the attacks immediately, and to refrain from actions that could lead to further loss of life and destruction."
“The only way to resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program is through negotiations,” the ministry emphasized, urging the international community to support diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful solution.
"We call on the international community to support efforts aimed at finding a diplomatic solution between the parties," it said.
“Türkiye stands ready to fulfill its responsibilities and contribute constructively,” the ministry reiterated.
The statement came hours after the US launched strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, including the Fordo facility, using bunker-buster bombs and cruise missiles.
US President Donald Trump announced Sunday that American forces carried out "very successful" airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear sites, amid growing fears of a broader conflict in the region.
Following the US strikes, Iran called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to condemn the US aggression and to hold accountable those who violate international law.
Hostilities broke out on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes.
Israeli authorities said at least 25 people have been killed and hundreds injured since then in Iranian missile attacks.
Meanwhile, in Iran, 430 people have been killed and more than 3,500 wounded in the Israeli assault, according to the Iranian Health Ministry.