Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday warned of the risk of a widening war in Iran, stressing that his government’s priority is to steer the country through the current regional turmoil unharmed and keep it away from escalating conflict.
Erdogan placed primary responsibility for the war on Israel’s government, describing the conflict as “illegitimate” and saying it has “not only turned the region into a battlefield but has also burdened all of humanity with economic costs”.
“We must not forget that every drop of blood shed in this war will prolong the time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains in power,” he stated.
Speaking at a meeting of the parliamentary group of the ruling Justice and Development Party, Erdogan said one of the greatest risks facing the region is not only the continuation of the war, but also the danger of it expanding into a broader regional conflict.
He stressed that retaliatory attacks targeting energy, transport and civilian infrastructure are increasing that risk.
Erdogan added that the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which began on Feb. 28, has entered its first month and continues with rising levels of threat and danger.
He continued that the war with Iran does not serve the vision of global peace but undermines it, stressing that diplomacy, dialogue and compromise are the best available means to resolve the crisis, and that common ground should be sought instead of clinging to extreme demands.
‘Path to peace’
The Turkish president expressed hope that a path to peace could be opened without further bloodshed.
“We will continue to do everything in our power, even if it requires putting ourselves at risk,” he stated.
He noted that Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had taken part in a four-way meeting with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan, where concerns over the Iran war and steps to end it were discussed.
Erdogan added that Defense Minister Yasar Guler, intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and other officials are making intensive efforts within their respective fields.
“If there is even a glimmer of hope to end the bloodshed, silence the guns and resolve problems through diplomacy, it is our duty to seize that opportunity,” he said.
Incirlik claims denied
Meanwhile, Türkiye’s presidential communications directorate’s Center for Combating Disinformation denied claims circulating on social media that US B-1B Lancer bombers had used the Incirlik air base in the southern province of Adana.
In a statement posted on X, the center said the claims were misleading and that the images and videos being shared were old, dating back to routine training activities, and were unrelated to current regional conflicts.
It urged the public not to be misled by anonymous claims or provocative content from unofficial sources.
