Israel and Iran continued to exchange heavy fire for the third consecutive day on Sunday, leading to mounting casualties and expanding targets. Persistent strikes in both countries have raised fears of a prolonged conflict that could engulf the Middle East, even as world leaders call for an immediate end to the violence.
Trump Expresses Hope for Peace
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed hope on Sunday that Israel and Iran could reach a deal to end the hostilities. Speaking to reporters before departing for the G7 summit in Canada, Trump stated that while he hopes for peace, sometimes “countries have to fight it out first.” He affirmed the United States’ commitment to support Israel’s defense but declined to comment on whether he had urged Israel to pause strikes on Iran.
Erdogan Calls for Urgent Action
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan emphasized the need for “urgent action” to prevent the Israel-Iran conflict from engulfing the Middle East. In a call with President Trump on Sunday—their second in 24 hours—Erdogan praised Trump’s recent comments on resolving the conflict and stressed that immediate steps are necessary to avert a catastrophe that could ignite the entire region.
According to a statement from the Turkish presidency, Erdogan highlighted that the “spiral of violence unleashed by Israel’s attacks on Iran has caused irreparable economic and civil damage to both sides.” He called for moves to “halt this dangerous escalation” and expressed readiness to “play a role as facilitator” in the conflict. Erdogan also noted that President Trump indicated openness to Russian President Vladimir Putin acting as a mediator.
EU Seeks Diplomatic Solutions
Meanwhile, European Union foreign ministers are scheduled to meet via video conference on Tuesday to discuss the escalating conflict and explore “possible next steps” towards de-escalation, according to an official associated with the bloc’s foreign policy chief. The meeting aims to exchange views, coordinate diplomatic outreach to Tel Aviv and Tehran, and consider future actions.
The official emphasized the EU’s commitment to “regional security and de-escalation,” stating that the union would utilize “all diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and to find a lasting solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, which can only be achieved through a negotiated deal.”
The intensifying conflict between Israel and Iran has prompted urgent appeals from international leaders for restraint and dialogue. As the situation develops, the global community watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to avert further instability in the region.
