Speaking at an event in Ankara, Erdogan said “at a time when Turkey’s struggle for peace in the region is crystal clear from day one, no one should take a wrong stance that undermines the principles of neighborhood and brotherhood,” Anadolu reported.
Emphasizing Turkey’s diplomatic efforts regarding the crisis in the region, he said “we will continue our multidimensional diplomacy with the aim of preventing further bloodshed in our region and ensuring that no more innocent people are torn from their lives.”
Regarding Wednesday’s incident in which NATO defense units intercepted munitions fired from Iran into Turkish airspace, Erdogan said Ankara had shown its “sensitivity” and issued “necessary warnings” to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
“If there is a threat to the security of our country, we will take all necessary measures with the utmost care in coordination with our allies,” the Turkish president added.
Tensions have risen in the Middle East after the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran starting on February 28, killing more than 900 people, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and more than 165 female elementary school students, according to Iranian authorities.
Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and US-linked sites in the Persian Gulf countries, disrupting energy routes.
(Vijesti.ba/FENA)
