Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara’s main objective is to keep Türkiye out of the growing regional conflict, emphasising that protecting the security and peace of the country’s 86 million citizens remains the government’s top priority.
“Our primary goal is to keep our country clear of this fire. Ensuring Türkiye’s security and the peace of its 86 million citizens is our greatest priority,” Erdogan said.
The Turkish leader reaffirmed that Ankara stands on the side of justice, international law and stability, and continues to advocate resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy amid the escalating crisis involving Iran.
Erdogan noted that Türkiye has intensified diplomatic efforts since the conflict began, saying Ankara has already held talks with 16 world leaders in search of a path toward de-escalation.
He added that Türkiye is closely coordinating with NATO and other allies while taking additional steps to reinforce national security.
The president also sought to reassure the public over energy supplies, saying previous investments and agreements have helped secure Türkiye’s energy needs despite regional instability.
Erdogan said there were no disruptions at the country’s three customs gates along the Iranian border, while Turkish airspace is being monitored around the clock by F-16 fighter jets, airborne early warning aircraft and tanker planes.
At the same time, Erdogan warned Iran against taking “provocative steps” that could damage long-standing relations between the two neighbouring countries.
“No one should enter into calculations that would cast a shadow over our thousand-year neighbourly and fraternal ties with Iran,” he said, reiterating that Türkiye is working to prevent the conflict from spreading further and to avoid more bloodshed in the region.
