Erdoğan Vows to Keep Türkiye Out of Israel-Iran Conflict, Urges End to War

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Türkiye will stay out of the Israel–Iran conflict, warning it could escalate into a wider regional war. He called for an immediate end to the fighting, criticised Benjamin Netanyahu, and urged diplomacy while assuring that Türkiye’s economy remains resilient despite global disruptions.

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reaffirmed that Türkiye is determined to remain outside the escalating confrontation involving Israel and Iran, warning that the crisis risks evolving into a prolonged and destabilising regional war.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan said the Turkish government is managing the situation with caution and strategic restraint, guided by what he described as “state wisdom.” He stressed that Ankara is carefully navigating the tensions to avoid being drawn into a broader conflict, while maintaining a balanced and responsible foreign policy approach.
Erdoğan noted that Türkiye has been among the countries that correctly interpreted the developments in the region, describing the situation as one that has filled the Middle East with “the smell of blood and gunpowder.” He said Ankara’s response reflects a commitment to stability and a refusal to be provoked into actions that could escalate tensions further.
He also made it clear that Türkiye would not fall into what he described as deliberate attempts to drag it into the conflict. According to him, the government remains calm and measured in its decisions, while upholding principles of neighbourly relations and regional cooperation.
The Turkish president directed strong criticism at Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing his administration of fuelling instability and undermining prospects for peace. He called for immediate steps to halt the violence, urging the international community to take a more decisive and proactive stance in addressing the crisis.
Erdoğan warned that although the conflict may appear centred on Israel, its impact is being felt globally, affecting economies, security, and political stability far beyond the region. He characterised the war as one driven by political survival, but with consequences that are being borne by the entire world.
Highlighting the economic dimension of the crisis, Erdoğan pointed to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes. He noted that disruptions to shipping in the strait have already triggered serious volatility in global markets and warned that prolonged instability could inflict lasting damage on the global economy.
He called for an immediate end to what he described as an unlawful conflict, stressing the need to prevent long-term economic and humanitarian consequences. Erdoğan urged the swift reopening of diplomatic channels and the launch of meaningful negotiations, while cautioning against allowing rigid or uncompromising positions to undermine peace efforts.
Despite the rising tensions, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to working toward peace, justice, and stability through diplomatic and political means. He said Ankara would continue to use all available tools to contribute to de-escalation and regional stability.
Addressing domestic concerns, Erdoğan acknowledged the economic pressures caused by the crisis, particularly the surge in global oil prices. He said the government is implementing measures such as fuel price stabilisation mechanisms to cushion citizens from the impact of rising energy costs.
He added that Türkiye’s economy has developed a high level of resilience and is well-positioned to withstand external shocks, expressing confidence that the country can navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing geopolitical tensions.