ISTANBUL

No step should be taken that would "cast a shadow over our thousand-year neighborly and brotherly ties with Iran or wound our nation," said Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, referring to the interception of a missile from Iran towards Türkiye earlier in the day.

Despite "our sincere warnings, extremely wrong and provocative steps that will strain Türkiye’s friendship continue to be taken," Erdogan said in an address to the nation after Cabinet meeting.

Türkiye has engaged in intense diplomacy since the Iran war broke out on Feb. 28, he added.

"We have held talks with 16 leaders to find a way out of the crisis," said Erdogan.

Ankara stands on the side of justice, international law, peace, and stability in Iran and supports resolving conflicts through dialogue, he also said.

He underlined that Türkiye is committed to preventing harm to any individual and working to contain regional instability, despite provocations aimed at fueling conflict.

Since the start of the conflict, all Turkish units have been on alert, said Erdogan, adding: "We have mobilized all institutions of our state."

Erdogan said that Türkiye is closely monitoring all developments with experienced crisis management teams, leaving no possibility unchecked, and prioritizing the safety of the nation and its 86 million citizens.

There is no problem or congestion at Türkiye's three customs gates on the Iranian border, he said, noting that Ankara monitors its airspace 24/7 for potential threats with its F-16s, airborne early warning aircraft, and tanker planes.

Air travel and maritime trade

On civil aviation and maritime measures, Erdogan said flight service to Iran was reduced and limited to daytime before the conflict, and after Feb. 28, airspace over Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria were all closed.

Alternative routes via Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, and Muscat (Oman) were arranged to prevent disruptions for Turkish citizens, he said.

While no Turkish-flagged ships are in the region, 15 Turkish-owned vessels and 174 Turkish seafarers are being closely monitored, he underlined, adding that alternative routes through Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan have been suggested to mitigate potential risks, with coordination ongoing on land.

Airspace and airport changes are also being closely followed by relevant authorities, he added.

Türkiye will continue to follow developments in coordination with NATO and other allies and take additional measures to strengthen its security, Erdogan said.

He also highlighted that terrorist activities in the region are being constantly monitored and that any scenario that threatens Türkiye's stability or regional peace will be confronted strongly.

On Türkiye’s goal of being terror-free, he warned that no one should miscalculate or "fall into the trap of the Zionist massacre network trying to turn brother against brother."

Turkish Central Bank reserves stand at around $200 billion and the country’s financial system has the ability to absorb any risk with its solid capital structure and strong liquidity, he said.