ANKARA Aug 16, 2026 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has labeled Israel the “principal instigator” of the conflict with Iran, in comments delivered during an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera.
Speaking on the network’s Al Muqabala program, Erdoğan stated that Israel is “the main instigator of this war, the primary actor in this war.” He added: “Israel has consistently encouraged war and has always favored the war option. Because of its support for war, other countries have paid a very heavy price, and Israel bears primary responsibility for this.”
The remarks, reported as breaking news by accounts including BRICS News, come against the backdrop of the wider regional conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. Turkey has consistently positioned itself outside the fighting, emphasizing diplomacy and warning of the risks of escalation while criticizing what it sees as Israeli policies that prolong instability.
Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s preference for peace over conflict, noting that Ankara is “not in favor of war in these regions; we are for peace.” He has previously described the Israeli government as primarily responsible for what he called an “unlawful war” that has imposed economic burdens on the region and beyond, a stance he first articulated in detail during an April 2026 speech to his Justice and Development Party’s parliamentary group.
The latest comments reflect ongoing tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem. Relations have deteriorated sharply since the Gaza war and further strained amid the Iran conflict, with Turkey accusing Israel of expansionist policies and destabilization efforts in neighboring countries, while Israel has pushed back against Erdoğan’s rhetoric. Turkey has also highlighted its efforts to support mediation, including praising Qatar’s role in U.S.-Iran talks, and has stressed that it will defend itself if attacked but seeks to keep the country out of the “ring of fire.”
Erdoğan’s interview also touched on related regional issues, including continued Israeli operations in Lebanon and Gaza, underscoring Ankara’s broader call for de-escalation and a return to dialogue. The statement adds to a pattern of Turkish criticism of Israeli actions throughout 2026 as the fallout from the Iran war continues to shape Middle East dynamics.
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