Vice President: Türkiye carefully evaluates Iranian missile incidents

Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said Türkiye supports the Iranian people while also condemning attacks from both sides, stressing that Ankara considers assaults on Iran unacceptable but equally rejects Iranian strikes on neighbouring and friendly countries.

Speaking during a live broadcast on TRT Haber, Yılmaz addressed questions about the current regional situation and Türkiye’s position amid the ongoing war. His comments were reported by TRT Haber.

Yılmaz recalled that before the outbreak of the war, Türkiye had made significant diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation. “Now we are facing a military situation,” he said. “In this context, Türkiye takes a principled stance on the side of the Iranian people, clearly stating that attacks on Iran are unacceptable, just as it considers attacks by Iran on friendly and neighbouring countries unacceptable.”

Addressing security concerns, Yılmaz highlighted Türkiye’s defence capabilities and its role within NATO, noting that membership in the alliance ensures collective security. He also underlined the strength of Türkiye’s defence infrastructure and pointed to the development of the country’s integrated air defence architecture.

In particular, he referred to the “Steel Dome” system, which can integrate multiple air defence platforms and operate with artificial intelligence support to defend against threats at different altitudes. According to Yılmaz, Türkiye’s defence industry has undergone a “true revolution” over the past 23 years and continues to expand its capabilities while strengthening international defence cooperation.

Commenting on Iranian missile launches, the vice president said Ankara approaches such incidents cautiously and analytically.

“Türkiye is a state with traditions that does not make decisions based on emotions or impulsive reactions,” he said. “Every development is carefully evaluated from multiple angles, considering the advantages, disadvantages and long-term consequences. We assess events calmly. We have repeatedly warned about the inadmissibility of such incidents and hope they will not be repeated.”

Yılmaz added that in the current circumstances, Iran appears to lack a unified system for decision-making.

“At present, there is no coherent decision-making system visible in Iran; they are acting in a mosaic-like manner,” he said, adding that Türkiye would continue taking measures against any threats both independently and as a member of NATO.

The vice president also addressed economic issues, saying Türkiye is well-positioned to withstand external shocks despite the regional conflict. He noted that the country has diversified energy supplies, maintains strong energy resources and is actively expanding renewable energy capacity.

According to Yılmaz, the war’s economic impact will likely require time to repair infrastructure and restore disrupted production chains. However, he said Türkiye’s strong macroeconomic foundations make it capable of managing such challenges.

He also stressed the importance of counterterrorism efforts for domestic stability and for the economic development of eastern and southeastern regions of the country.

At the same time, Yılmaz warned that external attempts to influence political change in Iran are unlikely to produce positive results.

“External intervention in Iran will not lead to positive changes,” he said. “Any transformation must come from within the country, through the initiative and demands of its own people. Excessive sanctions and outside interference, in fact, slow down change.”

By Tamilla Hasanova