Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced that Turkey is on high alert due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, warning that some actors are “adding fuel to the fire.”
Following a cabinet meeting, Erdoğan stated that Turkish authorities have been monitoring developments closely and that state institutions have been fully mobilized since February 28. He also referenced a recent Iranian ballistic missile incident, which was intercepted by NATO, calling it “extremely wrong and provocative.”
To strengthen security, Turkey has increased its military presence in the northern part of Cyprus under Turkish control, deploying six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems.
“Our goal is to keep Turkey out of this conflict. The safety of our nation and the well-being of 86 million citizens is our highest priority,” Erdoğan said, stressing that Ankara is also pursuing diplomatic efforts with allies and international partners to prevent regional escalation.
He added: “While some are trying to destabilize the region, we are working to extinguish the flames and prevent the spread of conflict. Turkey is ready to confront any threat to its security.”
