President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been closely monitoring the unfolding Israel-Iran tensions from the very beginning and continues to receive regular updates, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan; reads a Daily Sabah post.
"Under President Erdoğan’s directives, all relevant Turkish institutions are taking necessary precautions in line with potential scenarios that could affect Türkiye," Fidan said.
Speaking after a critical four-hour security meeting with Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and National Intelligence Organization (MIT) head İbrahim Kalın, Fidan on Friday emphasized the urgency of regional stability.
He condemned Israel's aggressive policies in the region, stating:
"Israel must immediately abandon its strategy of regional destabilization. This policy has created a humanitarian disaster in Gaza, dragged Lebanon into instability, led to Syria’s occupation, and now provokes Iran. We must not allow growing tensions to distract from the genocide taking place in Gaza."
Türkiye, he added, is actively taking the necessary steps to safeguard its national interests following Israel’s large-scale airstrikes on Iran and the risk of Iranian retaliation.
Fidan also held separate phone calls with Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein and Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi to discuss the regional fallout. The three officials agreed on the need for coordinated diplomacy to prevent further escalation.
Earlier Saturday, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities. Reports suggest that several senior Iranian military figures and nuclear scientists were killed, with the strikes reportedly continuing.
In response, Iran vowed "severe punishment" and requested an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
