Türkiye welcomes reports of ceasefire deal between Israel, Iran

 Türkiye said on Tuesday it welcomed reports that Israel and Iran have reached a ceasefire agreement, urging both sides to adhere to the terms amid rising tensions in the region, Anadolu Agency reported.

“We welcome the reports that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Iran,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

However, the ministry noted that it is “closely monitoring the statements regarding alleged violations of the ceasefire,” calling on both parties to fully observe the truce during what it described as a “critical period.”

The ministry emphasized the importance of pursuing a comprehensive and lasting solution in the Middle East, adding that “decisive steps must be taken” toward peace and stability.

“In this context, we believe it is of vital importance to keep channels of dialogue and diplomacy open,” the statement said.

The recent developments have once again shown the urgent need to resolve the Palestinian issue, which lies at the heart of many problems in the Middle East, the ministry said.

“Türkiye remains ready to support all efforts toward peace in the region and to contribute constructively,” it said.

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran came into effect at 0400GMT on Tuesday, ending the 12-day war.

However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered his army earlier Tuesday to launch intense strikes on Tehran, claiming that Iran violated the truce. Iran denied the claim, vowing a resolute response to any new strikes.

The ceasefire was initially announced by US President Donald Trump, who said it would involve a phased halt to operations, with Iran beginning the ceasefire first and Israel following 12 hours later. A full end to hostilities was to be declared at the 24-hour mark.

On Monday, Iran launched a barrage of missiles at the US military’s Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, marking a dramatic escalation in tensions following US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday.

The US attacks came as part of a US-backed Israeli military assault on Iran that began on June 13 and prompted Tehran to launch retaliatory attacks on Israel.