Türkiye in International Media

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Friday evening that his country will not get dragged into the war triggered by U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, following the interception of a third ballistic missile that entered Turkish airspace. Erdoğan said in Istanbul that Türkiye proceeds with "great caution in face of plots, traps, provocations aimed at dragging our country into war." "Keeping our country away from this fire pit is our top priority," he said, adding Türkiye "is taking necessary measures against all threats violating its airspace." His remarks came after a third ballistic missile...

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye noted that the country has adopted countermeasures to deter any threats to its airspace and avoid being drawn into the Middle East crisis. The Ministry of Defence of Türkiye reported on Friday that NATO air defences had destroyed a missile that was launched from Iran. This marks the third such incident since tensions in the Middle East escalated. In his remarks on the issue, President Erdoğan said, "As the government, we are acting with great caution against schemes, traps and provocations aimed at dragging...

Türkiye is engaged in "intense" diplomatic efforts to prevent a spillover in the war in the Middle East, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said here Thursday. Following his meeting with visiting UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Erdoğan said Guterres' calls for diplomacy and dialogue are highly valuable in these challenging times. Türkiye will continue with "determination and patience" for a peaceful resolution of the current crisis, and will continue backing initiatives to make the UN more inclusive, Erdoğan said in a speech at the presentation of the Atatürk International Peace Award to Guterres. There can...

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday not to let the escalating U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran derail efforts to end the war in Ukraine, calling for peace negotiations to resume "without delay." In a phone call, Erdoğan said the conflict involving Iran "should not disrupt the search for peace in Ukraine," according to a statement from the Turkish presidency. He reiterated Ankara's readiness to provide "all necessary support" for any steps toward ending the nearly three-year war. Erdoğan also pressed for a ceasefire arrangement that would protect energy infrastructure...

The Turkish government announced on Tuesday that it has deployed a battery of the US Patriot air defence system to the southeastern province of Malatya as part of NATO's measures to "support the protection of its airspace" in response to the interception of two missiles allegedly fired from Iran in recent days. The development comes amid the conflict in the Middle East triggered by the offensive launched against Iran on 28 February by the United States and Israel. In a statement, the Turkish Ministry of National Defence said, "The Turkish Armed Forces are fully committed to the...

During his speech at an iftar programme attended by members of parliament, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye highlighted the core principles guiding Türkiye’s foreign policy on regional and global issues. In his speech, Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye does not remain neutral on issues affecting human security and well-being. The Turkish President stated, "We never stay neutral on matters affecting our region and humanity as a whole. We cannot remain neutral in the face of events that disturb the peace of our neighbours and brothers or in response to challenges that pose a threat...

The Directorate of Communications of the Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye released a statement reporting that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Türkiye spoke over the phone with President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran. During the call, Erdoğan stressed the urgent need to open diplomatic channels amid the current situation and affirmed Türkiye’s ongoing efforts in this regard. Erdoğan pointed out that unlawful interventions directed at Iran, as well as strikes by Iran against its brotherly neighbours, are not acceptable, underscoring the necessity for these actions to come to an end. Erdoğan reiterated...

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Centre for Combating Disinformation (DMM) of the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications said that various claims suggesting that the appointment of Heads of Departments for Emergency Situations and Defence Planning is part of Türkiye’s preparations for war do not reflect the truth. A decree by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan appointing Heads of Departments for Emergency Situations and Defence Planning in all ministries, except the Ministry of Defence, was published in the Official Gazette on Saturday. In its statement rejecting the claims regarding the appointments, the Centre for Combating Disinformation ...

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said on Monday that Türkiye will intensify diplomatic efforts at all levels until a ceasefire is reached on Iran, warning that a prolonged conflict would unleash regional and global turmoil. "Türkiye is determined to intensify contacts at all levels until a ceasefire is reached on Iran and calm is established," Erdoğan said during a fast-breaking dinner with members of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in Ankara. "We want bloodshed to stop, tears to cease, and for our region to finally attain lasting peace it has long yearned for,"...