Türkiye Says It Will Resist Provocations as Iran War Spillover Raises Security Concerns
By Bosphorus News Staff
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Saturday that Türkiye will resist any attempts to drag the country into the widening Middle East conflict, warning that the war risks spreading across the region if diplomacy fails.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Ankara with Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, Fidan said Ankara has no intention of becoming part of the ongoing war.
“Türkiye will resist all kinds of provocations. The determination of our President on this matter is clear,” Fidan said. “Türkiye does not want to be part of this ongoing unjust war, and we are firmly against being dragged into it.”
His remarks come as tensions across the region escalate following United States and Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran.
Fidan warned that the conflict is already expanding and could evolve into a broader regional confrontation if attacks continue.
“We are observing with concern that the war is spreading across the region,” he said. “This destructive picture threatens not only regional security and humanitarian conditions but also global economic stability.”
The Turkish minister said the only viable path forward is a return to diplomacy and dialogue. “It is clear that a lasting solution can only be achieved through diplomacy,” he said, adding that Türkiye is focusing its efforts on encouraging negotiations.
Fidan also confirmed that a ballistic projectile fired from Iran toward Turkish airspace on March 13 was intercepted before it could reach its target.
“As you know, another missile directed at our country yesterday was neutralized in the air,” he said. “We are in direct contact with our Iranian counterparts regarding this serious incident.”
According to Fidan, Iranian officials have denied ordering the launch. “They say they did not give instructions for such an attack and that they are not connected to it,” he said, adding that Turkish authorities are discussing the discrepancy between those statements and the available technical data.
Türkiye’s priority, he said, is to prevent the war from expanding further and to shorten its duration.
“Our number one priority right now is preventing the war from spreading to a wider geography and ending it as soon as possible,” Fidan said. “Under no circumstances will we allow Türkiye to be drawn into this war.”
During the visit, Türkiye and Bangladesh also signed a memorandum of understanding between their diplomatic academies aimed at expanding cooperation in diplomatic training.
Fidan said Ankara supports Bangladesh’s growing role in international institutions and confirmed Türkiye’s backing for Rahman’s candidacy for president of the United Nations General Assembly’s 81st session.