Putin, Erdogan push for Iran ceasefire as Israel vows more strikes

President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Erdogan discussed the escalating Iran conflict and its severe global impacts on energy, trade, and logistics in a Friday call. Both leaders reiterated their support for a ceasefire taking into account all regional states' interests, while committing to Black Sea security and energy sector cooperation.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed the military would not stop pounding Iran until the "terrorist regime" is crushed, claiming Israel has destroyed 70% of Iran's steel production to cripple IRGC funding. Netanyahu said he's coordinating with President Trump and justified strikes on Lebanon to expand Israel's northern security zone.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked U.S. claims of victory, noting the war objective has downgraded from "regime change" to searching for downed pilots after a U.S. jet was hit.

For Nigerians, this conflict risks global energy supply chains and could impact local fuel prices. The escalation also affects thousands of Nigerian diaspora in the Middle East and diaspora remittance flows. Nigerian foreign policy may face pressure to take a clearer stance as a non-permanent UN Security Council member.

With both diplomatic efforts and military escalation intensifying simultaneously, will Nigeria leverage its neutral position to facilitate dialogue, or align with Western positions? How should businesses hedge against potential oil price shocks if Gulf disruptions worsen?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/04/03/putin-erdogan-discuss-iran-war-as-israel-vows-more-fire/