ISTANBUL

Türkiye is navigating the current Mideast conflict cautiously and prudently, while upholding brotherhood and neighborly relations, said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday.

“We are not falling into traps set for us,” Erdogan said at a speech following a Cabinet meeting in Ankara, stressing that Türkiye is “determined to steer clear of the ring of fire.”

The past 25 days have shown that while this is Israel’s war, the world is paying the price; it is (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s war for survival, but 8 billion people are bearing the cost,” he said.

“The massacre network led by Netanyahu must be stopped immediately,” for the sake of regional peace and humanity, said Erdogan, stressing that every country must take a bold and proactive stance.

“Israel’s uncompromising, maximalist, and radical stance must not be allowed to undermine diplomatic solutions,” he noted.

Regional developments

The US and Israel have carried out an air offensive on Iran since Feb. 28, so far killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

On Monday, US President Donald Trump announced a five-day halt on all strikes on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, citing what he called “very good and productive” talks with Tehran over the weekend.

Iranian officials rejected claims of talks, calling them "fake news," while its Foreign Ministry admitted receiving messages from “friendly countries” that it said indicated US requests for talks.