ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday that the conflict between Israel and Iran could trigger a wave of migration and pose nuclear risks. “The repercussions of this spiral of violence, triggered by Israel’s attacks, could negatively impact both the region and Europe, particularly concerning potential migration issues and nuclear leakage,” Erdogan told Merz in a phone call, according to the Turkish communication directorate. Turkey is “exerting efforts to end the conflict and restore calm and will continue to do so,” he added. Despite the escalating confrontation, a Turkish Defense Ministry source told reporters on Thursday that there had been “no increase” in the numbers of people crossing the border from Iran. The ministry on Wednesday said it is preparing for potential scenarios involving mass migration. In Germany, anti-immigrant sentiment has grown in recent years, with far-right parties seeing increased support in the national polls in February. The government has stepped up efforts to deport rejected asylum seekers. The conflict between Israel and Iran has entered its second week, with both sides continuing strikes. Iran says around 230 people - mostly civilians - have been killed and 1,300 injured since the escalation began. Israeli authorities report at least 25 civilian deaths and more than 600 injuries. Thousands of Iranians have fled Tehran, the capital city home to 10 million people. Israel has damaged several of Iran’s nuclear sites, but the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has reported no radiation leaks.
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