Turkish leader accuses Israeli PM of pushing region toward disaster

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sharply criticised Israel’s airstrike campaign against Iran, warning that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration is dragging the entire region — and the world — toward catastrophe.

Writing on his official social media account, Erdogan denounced the attack as a major escalation and a provocation that disregards international norms, Caliber.Az reports.

“This morning, Israel has brought the implementation of its strategy to drown our region, especially Gaza, in blood, tears and instability to a very dangerous stage,” he stated. “Israel's attacks on our neighbour, Iran, are a clear provocation that disregards international law. The administration of [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu is trying to drag our region and the whole world into disaster with its reckless, aggressive and lawless actions. The international community must put an end to Israeli banditry aimed at undermining global and regional stability.”

İsrail, Gazze başta olmak üzere bölgemizi kana, gözyaşına ve istikrarsızlığa boğma stratejisini bu sabah itibarıyla çok tehlikeli bir aşamaya taşımıştır.

İsrail’in komşumuz İran’a düzenlediği saldırılar, uluslararası hukuku hiçe sayan apaçık bir provokasyondur.…

— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) June 13, 2025

Erdoğan further condemned the timing of the strikes, which coincided with renewed diplomatic activity surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and growing international outrage over Israel’s conduct in Gaza.

“These attacks, which occurred at a time when negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme are intensifying and international pressure over the inhumane actions against Gaza is mounting, demonstrate Israel's mentality of not recognising the rules,” he wrote.

Calling for an end to what he termed a campaign of destabilisation, Erdoğan added: “The attacks by Netanyahu and his network of killers, who are setting our entire region ablaze, must be prevented. We do not want to see more bloodshed, destruction and conflict in the Middle East. Türkiye condemns the repulsive attacks on our neighbour, Iran.”

Erdoğan’s remarks followed Israel’s large-scale aerial operation conducted in the early hours of June 13, which targeted dozens of sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. The strikes reportedly caused multiple fatalities, including senior military officials and scientists, as well as civilian casualties.

By Tamilla Hasanova