ISTANBUL

From the very start, Türkiye has advocated discussions on Iran’s nuclear program taking place at the negotiating table, and it has the same stance today, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday.

Türkiye has been making intense diplomatic efforts, both personally and through the foreign minister, to halt clashes in the Israel-Iran conflict, Erdogan said in remarks to the nation after a Cabinet meeting.

"We have clearly informed our counterparts that Türkiye is ready to do whatever is required of us (on the Iran-Israel conflict), including facilitation," the president said.

On his weekend phone calls with leaders across the world, Erdogan said he had highlighted threats posed by Israel to the entire region, a threat that has “reached the point of banditry,” and underscored the importance of diplomacy and dialogue for solutions.

It is becoming increasingly clear that Israel's attacks, launched under the pretense of targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, have far-reaching, insidious aims, Erdogan added.

“With every act of oppression, every drop of blood shed, and every crime against humanity, Israel is gradually jeopardizing its own existence and the nation's future,” he added.

Israel’s genocide in Gaza and its “reckless” attacks on Lebanon and Syria are “making our hearts bleed,” said the Turkish leader, decrying Israel’s recent attacks on Türkiye’s neighbor Iran.

“Every step taken in our region without considering realities leads to further disasters. These disasters usually result in the downfall of tyrants,” said the Turkish leader.

Israel, “which has had infinite support from the West and destroyed Gaza and bullies the region,” might realize its mistake too late, he added.

“No one can predict the consequences of trying to solve issues that can be resolved at the table instead through weapons, destruction, bloodshed, chaos, and indiscriminate bombing,” he warned.

Türkiye makes its effort concrete through its aid, diplomatic support, commercial and technological partnerships, and social and cultural integration, he explained.

“Recently, we have all witnessed the results of this approach in the Balkans, Karabakh, Libya, and Syria. Hopefully, moving forward, we will not only elevate unity, togetherness, and brotherhood within our own borders, but also continue our initiatives to ensure that the same climate prevails in our region,” he added.

On the advances of Türkiye’s defense industry, Erdogan said that in light of the latest developments, Ankara is making production plans to bring its short- and long-range missile stocks to the level of deterrence.

“In short order, we'll have a defense capacity that no one will dare challenge,” he said.

Erdogan also touched on the “Russia-Ukraine war dragging on, which has devastating effects on both sides,” and the Pakistan-India tension, saying that it “remains a potential threat due to both sides' power."