Erdoğan vows to shield Türkiye from fallout of Israel-Iran war

ANKARA

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged on June 16 that Türkiye will not allow regional tensions stemming from the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran to destabilize the country.

"Our government and alliance are the foundation and guarantee of Türkiye's independence and future during this difficult period in our region. The trust of 86 million people is in safe and capable hands," Erdoğan said in televised remarks following a cabinet meeting.

He said Türkiye is approaching the crisis with "state wisdom and deep experience," insisting that authorities are taking "the necessary steps for the safety and peace of all its citizens."

"Just as we have overcome many difficulties with honor in the past, we will, God willing, keep our country away from the negative effects of the crises in our region," he said. "Unlike some, we are not interested in pouring gasoline on the fire, but in extinguishing it before it grows any further."

Tensions in the Middle East have soared since June 13, when Israel began unprecedented airstrikes targeting Iran, saying the aim was to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon — a claim Iran denies. In retaliation, Iran has launched several counterattacks, fueling fears of a broader regional war.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that the attack, carried out under the pretext of targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, actually has very broad and insidious aims," Erdoğan said.

"From the very beginning, we have argued that discussions regarding Iran's nuclear program should be conducted at the negotiating table, and we remain at the same point today."

Since the weekend, Erdoğan has been engaged in intense telephone diplomacy, speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a bid to halt the conflict.

"In these talks, we drew attention to the threats and dangers posed to our entire region by Israel's increasingly rogue aggression. We stated that the solution to the problem is possible through diplomacy and dialogue," he said on June 16.

"We have clearly conveyed to all our counterparts that we, as Türkiye, are ready to do whatever is required of us, including facilitating the process."

On June 17, Erdoğan held another phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the conflict. "The spiral of violence puts security of entire region at risk," he said during the call.

Erdoğan accused Israel of endangering the region with its military actions and warned of long-term consequences.

"Israel, which attacked Iran with the unlimited support of the West, destroyed Gaza and bullied every country in the region, is not aware of what it is doing," he said.

"With every act of oppression, every drop of blood shed, and every crime against humanity it commits, Israel is gradually putting its own existence and the future of its society at risk."

Erdoğan said his administration's top priority is to establish “peace and tranquility,” based on unity and trust.

"Today, Türkiye's greatest need is a policy of unity and brotherhood. By believing in each other, trusting each other and uniting 86 million hearts, we will, God willing, reach a beautiful tomorrow together,” he said.

Despite growing concerns over the spillover risks of the conflict, Erdoğan said that Türkiye will uphold principles of “morality, conscience, justice and fairness,” both at home and abroad.