Erdogan expresses "deep sorrow" over US-Israel strikes on Iran

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on February 28 that Türkiye feels “deep sorrow” and concern over the joint U.S.-Israeli attacks on neighbouring Iran, while also calling Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Gulf countries unacceptable.

Speaking in Ankara, Erdogan said the attacks violated Iran’s sovereignty and endangered regional stability, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

“We deeply regret the attacks carried out this morning, which openly violate Iran’s sovereignty and target the peace of our friend and brotherly Iranian people,” Erdogan said.

He said the strikes followed what he described as provocations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, adding that diplomatic efforts had failed to produce results.

“Because the crisis of confidence between the parties was not overcome and Israel’s attempts to poison the process continued, the desired result could not be achieved,” he said.

The Turkish leader warned that unless diplomacy prevails, the region could be dragged into wider conflict.

“To prevent further bloodshed and greater suffering in our region, all actors, especially the Islamic world, must act urgently,” Erdogan said.

He added that Ankara would intensify diplomatic initiatives aimed first at securing a ceasefire and then returning the parties to negotiations.

“As Türkiye, as we have done from the first day, we are doing and will continue to do whatever falls to us to resolve problems calmly,” he said.

Erdogan also said that Iran’s missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries are unacceptable, regardless of the reason.

He said Türkiye had taken heightened security measures but faced no immediate border or airspace concerns.

“Our military, gendarmerie, police and intelligence are taking all measures at the highest level,” he said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev