Turkish President Erdogan Warns Against Actions That Would Damage Türkiye's Ties With Iran

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan publicly warned against any actions that could "cast a shadow" over Türkiye’s centuries‑old neighbourly ties with Iran.

“Turkish President Erdogan warns against actions that could damage centuries-old ties with Iran Türkiye will continue to follow developments in coordination with NATO, other allies, says Recep Tayyip Erdogan Istanbul ISTANBUL No step should be taken that would "cast a shadow over our thousand-year neighborly and brotherly ties with Iran or wound our nation," said Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, referring to the interception of a missile from Iran towards Türkiye earlier in the day”

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He made the comments after Turkish forces intercepted a missile from Iran headed toward Turkish territory.

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He portrayed such acts as capable of "wounding" the nation.

He criticized continued provocative steps that strain bilateral relations.

He framed his comments as part of Ankara’s effort to prevent escalation while holding Iran to account for the incident.

Erdogan stressed that Türkiye has pursued intensive diplomacy since the Iran conflict began on Feb. 28.

He said he has held talks with 16 world leaders and repeatedly called for resolving the crisis through dialogue, adherence to international law, and peaceful means.

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He presented this diplomatic push as central to Ankara's response, seeking regional de-escalation while maintaining clear expectations of responsible behaviour from all parties.

On security preparations, Erdogan announced that all Turkish units are on alert, state institutions have been mobilized, and crisis teams are closely monitoring developments to prioritise the safety of Türkiye’s 86 million people.

“Turkish President Erdogan warns against actions that could damage centuries-old ties with Iran Türkiye will continue to follow developments in coordination with NATO, other allies, says Recep Tayyip Erdogan Istanbul ISTANBUL No step should be taken that would "cast a shadow over our thousand-year neighborly and brotherly ties with Iran or wound our nation," said Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, referring to the interception of a missile from Iran towards Türkiye earlier in the day”

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He described enhanced air‑defence posture and continuous airspace surveillance as part of these measures.

Türkiye is monitoring its airspace around the clock using F‑16s, airborne early warning and tanker aircraft.

It has curtailed civil aviation to the region while several regional airspaces were closed and alternative flight routes arranged.

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Erdogan framed these steps as preventive and protective measures intended to secure civilian movement and national airspace amid the wider regional tensions.

Ankara said no Turkish‑flagged ships are in the conflict zone.

“Turkish President Erdogan warns against actions that could damage centuries-old ties with Iran Türkiye will continue to follow developments in coordination with NATO, other allies, says Recep Tayyip Erdogan Istanbul ISTANBUL No step should be taken that would "cast a shadow over our thousand-year neighborly and brotherly ties with Iran or wound our nation," said Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Monday, referring to the interception of a missile from Iran towards Türkiye earlier in the day”

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It is tracking 15 Turkish‑owned vessels and 174 seafarers.

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Ankara has proposed alternative land routes via Georgia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan to protect trade and transport.

Erdogan said Türkiye will continue coordinating with NATO and allies.

He said Türkiye will closely watch regional terrorist activity and warned against attempts to inflame divisions.

He stressed Turkey’s financial resilience, citing central bank reserves around $200 billion and a banking system able to absorb risks.