Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has accused Israel of being the principal instigator of the recent war with Iran, saying the conflict was driven by Israeli actions that heightened tensions across the Middle East.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Erdoğan said Israel’s policies had played the leading role in triggering the confrontation, arguing that the conflict posed a serious threat to regional peace and stability.
The Turkish leader called for greater diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation, warning that continued military confrontations could have far-reaching consequences for the Middle East and the global economy.
Erdoğan reiterated Turkey’s support for dialogue and peaceful resolution of disputes, urging all parties to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could reignite hostilities.
Turkey has consistently criticized Israel’s military operations in the region while maintaining that a lasting solution to regional conflicts can only be achieved through diplomacy and respect for international law.
Israeli officials have not immediately responded to Erdoğan’s latest remarks. Israel has maintained that its military actions against Iran were aimed at countering security threats and preventing Tehran from expanding its military and nuclear capabilities.
The comments come weeks after a ceasefire brought an end to the most direct military confrontation between Israel and Iran in decades. Although active fighting has subsided, tensions remain high, with regional leaders continuing to exchange accusations over responsibility for the conflict.
Analysts say Erdoğan’s remarks reflect Turkey’s longstanding criticism of Israeli regional policy and underscore Ankara’s efforts to position itself as a key diplomatic player in Middle Eastern affairs.
Despite the ceasefire, international observers continue to warn that the underlying disputes between Israel and Iran remain unresolved, leaving the region vulnerable to renewed escalation.
