President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has declared that Türkiye is determined to remain “outside the ring of fire” created by the escalating confrontation between Israel and Iran. Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, he emphasized a cautious, measured approach guided by “state wisdom,” warning that the conflict risks turning into a prolonged war of attrition across the region.
Erdogan sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling his leadership a “massacre network” that must be stopped for the sake of peace. He argued that while the war is primarily Israel’s, its consequences are being felt globally: “It is Netanyahu’s war for political survival, but the burden is carried by eight billion people.”
He highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil trade passes, warning that disruptions have already triggered turbulence in the global economy. Erdogan urged an immediate end to the “unlawful war” before irreversible damage is inflicted on global markets.
Domestically, he announced measures to shield Turkish citizens from rising fuel costs, including a fuel equalisation mechanism, and insisted that Türkiye’s economy is resilient enough to withstand external shocks.
Despite mounting tensions, Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to diplomacy, stressing that Ankara will continue to work “with all its strength” to establish peace, justice, and stability in the region.
