Erdoğan Vows to Keep Türkiye Out of Israel-Iran ‘Ring of Fire’

email: online@newsofbahrain.com 

Ankara: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said Türkiye is determined to remain outside the escalating conflict involving Israel and Iran, warning that the crisis could evolve into a prolonged regional war of attrition.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan said the government was adopting a cautious and measured approach guided by what he described as ‘state wisdom’, aimed at preventing the country from being drawn into a wider confrontation.

“We are determined to keep our country outside the ring of fire,” he said, adding that Türkiye would not fall into attempts to pull it into the conflict.

Erdoğan stressed that Ankara had taken a responsible stance in navigating the volatile situation and was among the countries that had accurately assessed the risks posed by the escalating tensions.

He also sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing Israel’s leadership of fuelling instability and undermining regional peace, and called on the international community to take stronger action.

The Turkish president warned that although the conflict is centred on Israel, its consequences are being felt globally, describing it as a crisis with far-reaching economic and geopolitical implications.

He highlighted the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, noting that disruptions to shipping through the route, responsible for around 20% of global oil trade, have already caused significant turbulence in the global economy.

Calling for an immediate end to hostilities, Erdoğan urged renewed diplomatic efforts and dialogue to prevent long-term damage to the global economic system, warning that prolonged conflict could have lasting repercussions.

He also cautioned against allowing hardline positions to derail peace efforts, emphasising the need for constructive engagement to resolve the crisis.

Despite rising tensions, Erdoğan said Türkiye would continue to pursue peace, stability, and justice through diplomatic and political channels.

Addressing the economic impact, he said the government was implementing measures, including fuel price balancing mechanisms, to shield citizens from the effects of rising global energy costs.

Erdoğan added that Türkiye’s economy remains resilient and capable of withstanding external shocks, expressing confidence in its ability to navigate the ongoing crisis.