ISTANBUL February 28, 2026 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has voiced deep sorrow over the joint US-Israeli military strikes on Iran, describing them as a clear violation of Iranian sovereignty, while simultaneously condemning Iran’s retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries as unacceptable.
Speaking at an iftar gathering with the AK Party Istanbul Provincial Organisation on Saturday evening, Erdogan called for urgent diplomatic action to halt the escalating violence in the Middle East.
“Türkiye feels deep sorrow and concern over US-Israeli attacks on Iran, which began with provocations by Netanyahu,” Erdogan said. “The sovereignty of Iran has been violated. I strongly condemn attacks on Iran.”
He added that Türkiye “will be working to ensure that peace prevails in the region.”
However, the Turkish leader made clear that Iran’s response was also unacceptable: “Iran’s attacks on countries in the Gulf region are not acceptable.”
Erdogan urged immediate collective steps to prevent further bloodshed: “To prevent further bloodshed and spare our region from greater suffering, all actors – especially the Islamic world – must take urgent action.”
He announced that Ankara will intensify diplomatic efforts “immediately – first to secure a ceasefire, and then to resume talks at the negotiating table.”
Warning of the dangerous path ahead, Erdogan cautioned: “If common sense does not prevail, and diplomacy is not given a chance, our region faces risk of being dragged into a ring of fire.”
The comments come hours after the United States and Israel launched major airstrikes on Iranian targets earlier on Saturday in what has been described as a significant escalation following months of heightened tensions.
Türkiye, a key NATO member and influential voice in the Muslim world, has positioned itself as a potential mediator calling for de-escalation and dialogue.
The full speech was broadcast live by Turkish state media, with TRT World providing real-time updates from the event.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments in the region.
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