Erdoğan vows to shield Türkiye from the escalating Israel-Iran war

June 17, 2025 – Ankara: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan pledged on Monday that Türkiye will not allow the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran to destabilize the nation, vowing to protect the country’s security and regional standing with “wisdom and experience.”

Speaking in a televised address following a cabinet meeting on June 16, Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye’s government is prepared to navigate the volatile situation in the Middle East without compromising national integrity. 

“Our government and alliance are the foundation and guarantee of Türkiye’s independence and future during this difficult period in our region,” Erdoğan said. “The trust of 86 million people is in safe and capable hands.”

Erdoğan insisted that Türkiye is responding to the crisis with measured leadership rather than provocation.

“Unlike some, we are not interested in pouring gasoline on the fire, but in extinguishing it before it grows any further,” he said.

Tensions in the region have soared since June 13, when Israel launched a wave of unprecedented airstrikes against Iranian nuclear and military facilities, claiming to prevent Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Iran has responded with missile counterattacks, raising 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 warned.

Türkiye Launches Diplomatic Offensive

In response to the escalating violence, Erdoğan has engaged in a series of high-level diplomatic efforts to promote de-escalation. He held separate phone calls with U.S. President Donald Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, and Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging all parties to pursue dialogue over confrontation.

“We drew attention to the threats posed to our entire region by Israel’s increasingly rogue aggression,” Erdoğan said. “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 also held a call with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, warning that “the spiral of violence puts the security of the entire region at risk.”

Criticism of Israel’s Military Campaign

Erdoğan sharply criticized Israel’s actions in both Iran and Gaza, accusing the country of “endangering the entire region” with the backing of Western powers.

“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.”

Domestic Message of Unity and Resilience

Erdoğan stressed that his administration is prioritizing peace, safety, and national cohesion, calling on citizens to remain united during this volatile time.

“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.

“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.”

Despite growing fears of regional spillover, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to morality, justice, and fairness in both its foreign policy and domestic governance.