Fidan, Saudi counterpart discuss efforts to end US-Israeli war on Iran

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Sunday discussed the ongoing US-Israeli offensive on Iran, according to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources. The two discussed efforts to end the war during a phone call, reflecting continuing diplomatic coordination between Ankara and Riyadh amid the escalating regional conflict.

Diplomatic push

The call between Fidan and Prince Faisal is part of broader Turkish diplomatic engagement with regional partners to address the crisis. Türkiye has maintained communication channels with all parties while advocating for de-escalation and a return to dialogue, with President Erdoğan and Fidan holding multiple calls with regional and Western leaders since the conflict began.

Conflict context

Hostilities have escalated since Feb. 28, when Israel and the US launched joint attacks on Iran, killing more than 1,200 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and over 150 schoolgirls. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

Economic impact

Tehran also closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for oil tankers, driving up shipping and insurance costs and pushing global oil prices higher. The closure has disrupted approximately 20 million barrels of daily oil shipments and 20% of global LNG trade, affecting economies worldwide.

Regional coordination

The Fidan-Prince Faisal conversation underscores the importance Saudi Arabia and Türkiye place on coordinated regional responses to the crisis. Both countries have maintained defensive postures while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict, even as they face spillover effects including airspace violations and economic disruption.