TEHRAN -- Iranian Parliament Speaker Muhammad Bagher Ghalibaf has called for increased unity among Islamic and regional countries, particularly Iran and Turkey, to counter the influence of the United States and Israel. 
His remarks came during a meeting with Numan Kurtulmus, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, on the sidelines of the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva.
Ghalibaf emphasized the sensitivity of the current regional situation, warning that evolving global and regional dynamics could lead to further challenges. He attributed these tensions to “direct American interference,” and expressed confidence that the strong bilateral relations between Iran and Turkey could help improve the situation in the region.
The Iranian speaker also expressed gratitude for Turkey’s support during the 12-day aggression instigated by the U.S. and Israel. “The U.S. and the Israeli regime, along with their allies, imposed the war on us,” Ghalibaf stated. 
He further remarked that the Israeli regime had suffered a severe military setback for the first time in its history.
In a series of aggressions that escalated in June, Israel launched a series of strikes against Iran, culminating in the assassination of several high-ranking military officials, nuclear scientists. 
On June 22, the United States joined the fray by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, actions which violated international law and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Iran retaliated, targeting Israeli and U.S. assets, which forced them to declare a unilateral ceasefire.
Ghalibaf also condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza, equating the regime’s conduct to “systematic massacres” reminiscent of Nazi-era atrocities. 
“The Zionists are the Nazis of our time,” he said, hitting out at Israel for deliberately exacerbating insecurity
 in the region in order to expand its territory. He specifically condemned Israel’s use of hunger and thirst as weapons in its ongoing aggression against Gaza.
Turning to economic relations, Ghalibaf emphasized the growing cooperation between Iran and Turkey, stating that both countries must take “serious measures” to enhance economic and trade ties, improve border affairs, and strengthen parliamentary cooperation.
In his response, Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus reiterated that Israel’s aggression is enabled by American backing, and highlighted Turkey’s firm stance in support of Iran during the recent conflict. 
He also noted that Turkey’s Parliament had issued a resolution condemning the war and extending solidarity to Iran.
Kurtulmus underscored that economic relations between the two countries are expanding, with a target trade volume of $50 billion. He also praised the recent discussions held by Iran’s Parliamentary Friendship Group during their visit to Turkey, calling them productive and promising for future collaboration.