Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on Iran to refrain from wrong and provocative steps that would cast a shadow on the 1,000-year-old good neighborliness between the two countries. Erdogan said this today in a statement after a government meeting broadcast live on his social media accounts, after NATO air and missile defense systems shot down a missile that entered Turkish airspace, BTA reported.
The Turkish Ministry of National Defense announced earlier today that a ballistic missile launched from Iran entered Turkish airspace and was shot down by NATO air and missile defense systems in the Eastern Mediterranean. This is the second such case in recent days amid the events in the Middle East, after the ministry also announced on March 4 the interception of an Iranian ballistic missile that had headed for Turkish airspace after flying over the airspace of Iraq and Syria.
"Despite our sincere warnings, extremely wrong and provocative steps continue to be taken that put Turkey's friendship to the test. We should not enter into a situation that would open deep wounds in the hearts and minds of our people and cast a shadow on our 1,000-year-old good-neighborliness and friendship. Both Turkey's position and behavior are clear - there are the incredible efforts we are making to prevent the spread of the fire and the shedding of more blood," Erdogan said.
He called on Iran not to be persistent "in making mistakes and showing stubbornness" and stressed that Turkey is monitoring the events together with its NATO partners, as well as its other allies.
Erdogan assured that since February 28 (when the Israeli and US strikes on targets in Iran began – ed. note) the Turkish government has been closely monitoring the situation with all its structures, with all institutions mobilized and Turkey ready to take additional measures if necessary.
„Our goal is first and foremost to keep our country away from this fire. The security of Turkey and the peace of our country's 86 million inhabitants are the most important thing for us at this time. We do not want any of our compatriots to suffer. Despite those who pour fuel on the fire to push our region towards instability, we are bringing water and making sincere efforts to contain the fire before it spreads further and even, if possible, to extinguish it“, Erdoğan said.
He stressed that in the conflict in Iran, Turkey is also on the side of law, peace, stability and seeking a solution through dialogue.
“I spoke with 16 leaders in search of a solution to the conflict before it spreads. Similarly, our Foreign Minister (Hakan Fidan) held over 50 phone calls. The Minister of Defense, the Chief of the General Staff, the Director of Intelligence (MIT), as well as our other colleagues are in constant contact with the relevant institutions“, said Erdogan.
The Turkish president assured that the state is leaving nothing to chance, and that efforts are being made to minimize the consequences of the crisis. He stressed that for now, the situation on the Turkish stock exchange and the lira remain stable.
The Turkish president stressed that the energy sector in Turkey is also under control and added that the situation at the country's three border points with Iran is calm.
Erdogan also responded to criticism from the main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) about the government's actions in the current situation. According to him, the opposition has no vision for foreign policy and lacks experience in crisis management and diplomacy, as well as being biased towards the Middle East.