Defence Minister Güler Says Türkiye Is Working to Prevent War From Spreading

By Bosphorus News Defence Desk

Güler Speaks in Hatay

Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler said on 19 March that Türkiye is actively working to stop the war in the Middle East from expanding, warning that the region's fragility has deepened as fighting between Iran, Israel and the United States intensifies.

Güler made the remarks at an iftar dinner in Hatay's Müze Hotel, attended by families of fallen soldiers, veterans, community leaders and local officials.

The Official Position on the War

Speaking from the Ministry of National Defence's official readout, Güler stated:

"Yakın coğrafyamız, gerçekten hassas bir dönemden geçmektedir. İran ile İsrail ve Amerika Birleşik Devletleri arasında yaşanan şiddetli çatışmalar ve bölge ülkelerine sirayet eden saldırılar, Orta Doğu'daki kırılganlığı daha da artırmıştır. Türkiye, böylesine ateş çemberine dönen bu ortamda savaşın genişlememesi ve diplomasinin yeniden işletilmesi için yoğun ve yapıcı çabalarını sürdürmektedir."

In translation: "Our near geography is truly going through a sensitive period. The intense clashes between Iran and Israel and the United States, and the attacks spreading to countries in the region, have further deepened the fragility in the Middle East. Türkiye, in this environment that has turned into a ring of fire, is continuing its intensive and constructive efforts to prevent the war from expanding and to restart diplomacy."

Military Readiness Alongside Diplomacy

Güler made clear that Türkiye's diplomatic efforts run in parallel with military preparedness. From the official readout:

"Bununla birlikte her ihtimale karşı hazırlıklı hareket ediyor, tüm risk ve tehditleri bertaraf edebilecek tedbirleri, büyük bir azim ve kararlılıkla alıyoruz. Bu konuda en büyük dayanağımız olan Türk Silahlı Kuvvetlerimiz, sahip olduğu nitelikli ve disiplinli personeli, modern silah ve teçhizatı, etkin sevk ve idare kabiliyetiyle bu coğrafyanın en güçlü ordularından biridir."

In translation: "At the same time, we act prepared for every eventuality, and are taking the necessary measures to neutralise all risks and threats with great determination. The Turkish Armed Forces, our greatest support in this regard, with their qualified and disciplined personnel, modern weapons and equipment, and effective command and control capabilities, are one of the most powerful armies in this region."

Türkiye's Declared Posture

The minister closed the defence-related portion of his address with a direct statement of national posture:

"Özellikle belirtmeliyim ki ülkemiz; jeopolitik konumunun getirdiği sorumluluğun farkında olan, barışın yanında duran, ancak kendi güvenliği söz konusu olduğunda da gerekli tüm adımları atmaktan asla tereddüt etmeyen güçlü bir devlettir. Bundan sonra da köklü ve güçlü devlet geleneğimiz etkin, caydırıcı ve saygın ordumuz ve sarsılmaz millî birlik-beraberliğimizle bu coğrafyada barışın teminatı, güvenliğin de en sağlam dayanaklarından biri olmaya devam edeceğiz."

In translation: "I must particularly note that our country is a strong state that is aware of the responsibilities its geopolitical position brings, that stands for peace, but that never hesitates to take all necessary steps when its own security is at stake. Going forward, with our deep-rooted and strong state tradition, our effective, deterrent and respected army, and our unshakeable national unity, we will continue to be one of the guarantors of peace and the most solid foundations of security in this region."

Hatay and Counter-Terror

Güler also addressed the broader domestic picture. He said the Turkish Armed Forces have significantly curtailed the operational capacity of terror groups through operations conducted both inside Türkiye and across its borders in recent years, pushing the terror threat away from Turkish territory. He described this as the foundation for the government's "Türkiye Without Terror" process, framing it as a historic opportunity rather than a routine policy shift.

On Hatay specifically, Güler said reconstruction following the February 2023 earthquakes has produced a settlement that is safer and more modern than before, with historic architecture restored.