ISTANBUL

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday stressed his country’s goal to bring an end to the "senseless, unlawful, and extremely wrong war in Iran as soon as possible."

Speaking at an iftar event at the presidential complex in Ankara, Erdogan said Türkiye has "strongly condemned attacks violating international law, regardless of who carries them out, as we work to prevent the war from spreading."

He also stressed that Türkiye is managing the critical situation with patience, prudence, and a careful approach to provocations, while taking necessary measures to limit the war’s negative impact on the economy and citizens.

Erdogan said they observed this year’s Ramadan with a heavy heart, noting that Israel has continued its attacks on Gaza and the occupied West Bank, disregarding the ceasefire reached on Oct. 10.

He added that the situation was further aggravated by air operations launched against neighboring Iran on Feb. 28, which he said were triggered by provocations and schemes of the Israeli government.

Erdogan said Türkiye had also taken necessary measures, in coordination with its NATO allies, against any elements violating the country’s airspace and security.

The US and Israel have continued a joint offensive on Iran since Feb. 28, killing more than 1,300 people so far, including the supreme leader and many other senior military and political figures.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries, claiming attacks on “US military assets,” causing casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions to global markets and aviation.

Israeli forces have also intensified operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire that was reached in November 2024, displacing nearly a million people.