Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan denounced Israel’s recent airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, warning it could ignite broader regional instability, during a press conference following a Presidential Cabinet meeting in Ankara on Monday.

Erdoğan suggested the attack, which Israel claimed targeted Iran’s nuclear program, harbors “far-reaching and insidious objectives.” He reiterated Türkiye’s stance that Iran’s nuclear disputes must be resolved diplomatically, stating, “We have always advocated for negotiations, and we maintain that position today.”

Revealing Türkiye’s diplomatic efforts, Erdoğan said he and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan have engaged in intensive talks since Friday to halt the Israel-Iran clashes. He cautioned that ignoring justice in regional conflicts invites “new disasters,” often leading to the “downfall of oppressors.”

Criticizing Israel’s actions in Gaza and its regional aggression, Erdoğan warned, “Israel may one day realize its mistake, but it will be too late.” He underscored Türkiye’s push for military self-reliance, noting advancements in defense production to bolster deterrence.

Despite rising tensions, Erdoğan expressed hope that Türkiye would avoid entanglement in the crisis, saying, “Inshallah, we will keep our country distant from these adverse impacts.”

The remarks come amid fears of a wider Middle East conflict, as Israel’s strikes on Iran draw international concern. Türkiye continues to advocate de-escalation and diplomacy to stabilize the region. (ILKHA)