Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for an end to the Middle East war “before it sets the entire region on fire” during a speech to his parliamentary group.

“We must end this war before it escalates and engulfs the region. If diplomacy is given a chance, it is entirely possible. We will continue our efforts patiently to bring the parties to the negotiating table,” the Turkish president said.

He added, “We all understand that if this senseless, anarchic, and illegal war continues, human and material losses will grow, and the cost to the global economy will rise. As the peoples of the region, we must not allow a conflict—of which we are already victims—to inflict further suffering on us.”

Yesterday, Erdogan also issued a warning to Iran over any “provocative action” after Tehran intercepted a second ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace.

“Despite clear warnings, wholly inappropriate and provocative actions continue, endangering Turkey’s friendship with Iran,” he said.