Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reiterated the urgent need to end the conflict involving Iran before it spreads further across the Middle East. Speaking at an iftar dinner hosted for foreign diplomats—including Greek Ambassador to Ankara Theodoros Bizakis—Erdoğan highlighted rising civilian casualties, escalating regional tensions, and growing threats to stability.
Monitoring the Situation, Prioritizing Dialogue
Erdoğan stated that Ankara is closely monitoring developments in Iran, has delivered clear warnings to Tehran, and is actively pursuing de-escalation through diplomatic channels. He noted that rocket and drone attacks launched from Iran have rapidly intensified tensions to levels that now endanger the stability of the entire region.
“With reciprocal retaliatory actions, we see that loss of life, destruction, and the economic cost of this crisis are increasing disproportionately,” he said. “It is a fact that the longer the war continues, the more dire the situation will become. Crucially, the cost of entanglement in new conflicts won’t be borne solely by the warring parties—but by our entire region, and indeed the wider world, including Europe and Asia.”
Response to Iranian Missile Launch Toward Turkey
Regarding today’s Iranian ballistic missile launch targeting Turkish territory, Erdoğan emphasized that Ankara has explicitly communicated the consequences of such attacks to Tehran—and reaffirmed Turkey’s firm rejection of strikes against fraternal states.
“We categorically reject Iran’s attacks against brotherly countries—particularly against Azerbaijan and Gulf states—and have clearly stated that such actions are wrong and will only deepen shared suffering and sow division among nations that should stand together.”
He added that ballistic projectiles directed toward Turkey last week and again today (March 9, 2026) were intercepted in time, and that necessary warnings were conveyed to Iran with full clarity.
A Commitment to Peace and Regional Cooperation
Erdoğan underscored Turkey’s sustained efforts to reduce tensions, halt bloodshed, and reopen dialogue. “We have made vigorous efforts to ease tensions, stop the violence, and restore meaningful dialogue,” he said. “From the Eastern Mediterranean to the Balkans, from Africa to Latin America, we aim to advance a positive agenda grounded in mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation.”
“Today, I stress once again: this war must end as soon as possible—before it spreads further across our region. While some actors center their foreign policy on exporting conflict, chaos, and instability, Turkey remains resolute in building peace and prosperity across this geography.”
The Turkish president also referenced strategic infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and long-term stability.