Ankara: Trkiye and the European Union held a high-level virtual meeting to discuss the latest developments in Iran and rising regional tensions. The session brought together Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with representatives from other regional countries.

According to Anadolu Agency, in a statement shared on his NSosyal account after the meeting, Yilmaz said the talks focused on assessing the humanitarian and geopolitical impacts of the conflict, which carries a significant risk of spilling over across the region. Yilmaz emphasized that Trkiye's main objective remains the swift end of hostilities to protect regional stability, peace, and global economic prosperity.

Yilmaz stated, "We condemn attacks targeting third countries as well, and we continue our diplomatic efforts multilaterally to bring the conflicts to an end." The context of the meeting stems from recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28, resulting in the deaths of more than 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military officials.

Iran has retaliated with barrages targeting US bases, diplomatic facilities, and military personnel in the region. A total of eight US service members have been killed amid the ongoing conflict.