09.11.2026 13:22
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made striking statements regarding the newly escalating tension between the US and Iran. Noting that there has been a negative development in the region, Erdoğan stated that he spoke with US President Donald Trump and conveyed Turkey's reservations. Emphasizing that they oppose a new wave of attacks, Erdoğan said, "We hope common sense prevails and that we, as a region, turn back from the edge of the cliff."
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered journalists' questions after his contacts in the city of Shusha, Azerbaijan. Evaluating the rising tension between the US and Iran and the possibility of a new military operation against Iran, Erdoğan stated that they are concerned about the re-intensification of conflicts in the region. Emphasizing that Turkey continues its initiatives for a diplomatic solution, Erdoğan also recounted details of his meeting with US President Donald Trump.
"THERE IS AGAIN A MOVEMENT IN A NEGATIVE DIRECTION" Answering the question about claims that Iran's Qeshm Island was targeted and the possibility of a new wave of war in the region, Erdoğan stressed that Turkey does not want a new conflict. Stating that problems can be solved through diplomacy, Erdoğan said developments in the region are worrying.
Erdoğan said, "Friends, we do not want a new wave of attacks against Iran to be launched and our region to be dragged into further instability. We state at every opportunity that it is possible to solve problems through dialogue and diplomacy. Unfortunately, we can speak of a movement in a negative direction again."
"I MET WITH TRUMP AND EXPLAINED OUR CONCERNS" Declaring that he discussed Iran with US President Donald Trump, Erdoğan stated that he directly conveyed Turkey's concerns regarding the possibility of a new attack. Emphasizing that they are ready for diplomatic initiatives to prevent conflicts, Erdoğan said:
"We are doing our best to prevent this. I discussed these issues with US President Mr. Trump and explained our reservations. We conveyed to the parties that we are ready to step in to open the door to peace and diplomacy. We hope common sense prevails and we, as a region, turn back from the edge of the cliff."
"THE COST OF WAR IS NOT PAID ONLY BY THE CONFLICTING PARTIES" Drawing attention to the fact that a new war in the region would not affect only the US and Iran, Erdoğan stated that the economic and political consequences of conflicts could spread over a much wider geography.
Erdoğan said, "More conflict means nothing but more loss for our region. The bill created by war is not paid only by the conflicting parties. A very wide geography, from Turkey to the Gulf countries, from Iraq to Syria, from Europe to Asia, is unfortunately affected by all these developments."
Stating that Turkey will continue its diplomatic efforts to prevent a new military escalation, Erdoğan reiterated his call for dialogue to the parties.
"TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN ARE TWO BROTHERLY STATES" Here are the highlights from Erdoğan's statements:
"Distinguished members of the press, dear friends, I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings and respect. By responding to the invitation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, we have completed our visit to Shusha to attend the Victory Day ceremonies. I once again congratulate my Azerbaijani brothers on the occasion of Victory Day in your presence. I also congratulate dear Azerbaijan on the State Flag Day they will observe tomorrow. You will remember that last year we also attended the parade held in Baku as part of the 5th anniversary of Victory Day. Today in Shusha we once again demonstrated our solidarity with Azerbaijan. We gave our messages of unity and togetherness in the strongest way. We commemorated the martyrs of the Khojaly Massacre with mercy, and we visited Khankendi. God willing, we have gladdened the souls of our heroes."
"Dear friends, Turkey and Azerbaijan are two brotherly countries bound to each other with unbreakable ties. Despite the centers of sedition, we have crowned our cooperation with mega projects in many strategic areas, especially energy, transportation and infrastructure. With the new steps we will take, God willing, we will further strengthen our solidarity. We evaluated all these issues in my meeting with my brother Ilham. We also discussed the latest regional developments with him. During my visit, I personally witnessed the development moves carried out in Karabakh under the leadership of my brother Ilham. As Turkey, we provide all kinds of support we can for the development of Karabakh, as we did for its liberation. As I also stated at the joint press conference today, we are pleased to have brought the Turkey-Azerbaijan International Forestry Training Center and Nursery Facility to Karabakh. God willing, next year we plan to inaugurate our school, which will be an exemplary work with its 40 classrooms, two laboratories and library. As Turkey and Azerbaijan, we are two brotherly states that are one heart and one arm in joy and sorrow, and that face all kinds of difficulties together. By God's permission, no one can cast a shadow over the affection, solidarity and brotherhood between us. In today's visit, we once again showed this truth to the whole world. I wish our visit to be auspicious for Turkey-Azerbaijan brotherhood and solidarity, and I thank my brother Ilham once again for his kind hospitality. Now I leave the floor to you."
"THOSE SEEKING SEPARATION BETWEEN TURKEY AND AZERBAIJAN ARE ENGAGED IN A FUTILE EFFORT" Various speculations have been made for some time. However, you have always given good messages regarding cooperation between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Today, too, you declared the strongest of those messages from Shusha. Despite all these centers of sedition, how do you evaluate Azerbaijan-Turkey relations?
As we always say at the commemoration in Karabakh, there was the solidarity of two strong states that shaped their relations with the understanding of "one nation, two states." My brother Ilham Aliyev and I embraced sincerely and satisfied our longing. Those seeking separation between Turkey and Azerbaijan are engaged in a futile effort. There is complete solidarity, a partnership of fate and a law of brotherhood between Turkey and Azerbaijan. Together with our other brothers, we will raise the strong voice of the Turk in our region and the world and build a prosperous future together. Those trying to put distance between us do not take into account the affection our nations have for each other, their historical ties and unshakable will. God willing, Turkey and Azerbaijan will continue to walk shoulder to shoulder for the peace, stability and prosperity of their region from now on as well.
"WE MUST BE CAREFUL AGAINST GAMES AND STAY ALERT" What should be done against the traps of those who want this brotherhood to deteriorate? What message do you want to give to the Turkic World and the Azerbaijani people on this matter? I want to ask this.
It is known that this unity disturbs someone, above all. It is enough to look at history to see what steps Turkey, Azerbaijan and other Turkic states can take when they act together.
We are different states. Along with all this, we have different institutional structures. But at the same time, we are tightly bound to each other by the mortar of brotherhood. This mortar is the most important element that keeps us standing and makes us strong. This brotherhood is one of the strongest guarantees of our common history, our common culture, and the great legacy we will leave to future generations. Those who understand that they cannot destroy us without eroding this may try to damage our unity and togetherness. We must be especially careful and vigilant against such games. We must not give credence to disinformation and must maintain direct, sincere, and open communication channels on every issue. At the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Ankara, I particularly emphasized the issue by saying, “There is no room for separation, disunity, or conflict in the family photo of the Turkic world. We are all one, we are together. From eternity to eternity, God willing, we are brothers.” Because what suits us is not separation but unity, togetherness.
“TÜRKİYE HAS PROVEN MANY TIMES THAT IT PUTS ITS HAND UNDER THE STONE” Representatives of the United States, Ukraine, and Russia are expected to come together in Abu Dhabi on November 10-11. Before this critical meeting, I am wondering whether you will have a meeting or contact with Mr. Putin. Also, what kind of result do you expect from the negotiations in Abu Dhabi? Because you also met with Zelenskyy recently. Could a new phase be reached in ending the Russia-Ukraine War?
We are making intense efforts to end this war. We also follow and support Mr. Trump's efforts with appreciation. From the very beginning of this war, Türkiye has demonstrated its stance in favor of a solution and peace despite all kinds of reactions. Remember the reactions from Europe in the past to our maintaining relations and contacts with the two warring states. In the meantime, we have weathered many criticisms, from statements accusing us of circumventing sanctions to accusations of non-compliance. We said, “We are on the side of a just peace in this matter.” The correctness of our fair attitude is more visible today. Today, too, we say, “This bloodshed must now stop.” Türkiye has proven many times that it puts its hand under the stone. We have talked about these issues with Mr. Putin many times, and we will talk again. As is known, we spoke with Mr. Zelenskyy last week, and we will speak again. We are in contact with Mr. Trump, European leaders, and all parties to the issue. The negotiation ground we established in Istanbul, our grain corridor initiative, and the role we assumed in prisoner exchanges are an unparalleled example in demonstrating Türkiye's key position for peace. As Türkiye, we are ready to make Istanbul the center of negotiations again when necessary and to use human-centered diplomacy with all its instruments. We are hopeful. We are much more hopeful for peace.
“THE CLIMATE PROBLEM IS BOTH TODAY'S PROBLEM AND, IF MEASURES ARE NOT TAKEN, TOMORROW'S PROBLEM” Türkiye is once again on the eve of hosting an international summit. After a very successful NATO Summit, COP31 preparations in Antalya have been completed and are beginning. What do you expect from this summit as Türkiye? What will we say to the world as Türkiye?
I believe that COP31 will be a ground on which Türkiye's vision on this issue will be better understood by broad audiences. We do not approach any issue as if we are doing something. If we take up a problem, we produce concrete, sustainable solutions to it and set out our road map. The climate problem is both today's problem and, if measures are not taken, tomorrow's problem in an even more aggravated form. Let us not forget that the world is our home and we have no right to pollute it. In Antalya, we will discuss the most concrete steps that will secure humanity's common future. At COP31, we are not merely bringing leaders together or issuing declarations through speeches. Our goal is to turn this summit into a platform where concrete results are produced and countries turn their commitments into implementation. Because it is now time for action, not for words that will remain on paper. We attach importance to the issue we call climate justice. Many topics, from raising awareness in every field to green industrialization, from resilient cities to climate practices, will be on our agenda.
“WE WILL CONTINUE TO STAND BY THE TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS” Both at the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States and on many international platforms, you have had messages and calls regarding the recognition and support of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. In this framework, what are Türkiye's recent expectations? What steps could be taken on this matter in the new period?
Friends, we will never leave the Turkish Cypriot people alone and helpless. The whole world should know and memorize this. The Cyprus cause is not merely a foreign policy issue for us. We do not see the lack of a solution in Cyprus as a solution, and we stand behind a two-state solution. Our stance on the Cyprus issue is also extremely clear and net. The fact that there are now two separate peoples and two separate states on the island must be accepted. Models that have been tried many times and have failed each time due to various games are a waste of time and energy. I invite all states, especially our friends and brothers, to recognize the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and to establish political, diplomatic, and economic relations with it in order to support permanent peace on the Island of Cyprus. As I also said from the United Nations rostrum, the sovereign equality and equal international status of the Turkish Cypriot people must be registered, and the inhumane isolation to which they have been subjected must now come to an end. In the new period, too, within the framework of this call, we will continue to take steps and to stand by the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus on international platforms. Steps and projects that will increase the visibility of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus will continue. The Cyprus issue is a national cause that we will follow until justice is served. Everyone must now know this.
“THERE WILL BE NO GOING BACK” I would like to ask a question regarding the stage we have reached in the process of a Terror-Free Türkiye and a Terror-Free Region. Of course, a National Security Council decision after verification and confirmation is in the road map of the process. As of today, at what stage are we? When do you think we could reach the stage where the National Security Council decision can mature and be shared with the public?
First of all, let no one have any hesitation on this matter. Let no one have any concern. As both the People's Alliance and the state, we have put not only our hand but also our body into the Terror-Free Türkiye process. Our nation and our state have made their decision, determined the road map, and taken action to solve the terror issue that has cost us half a century. There will be no going back from this.
“THE FIELD IS NOT EMPTY” Our priority is that the organization completes its dissolution process with all its elements, hands over all the weapons in its possession completely, and that this situation is concretely verified and confirmed by the relevant institutions of our state.The area is not empty. Every step, every move is closely monitored by the relevant institutions of our state and by our government. The caves are being evacuated according to a specific plan. This will continue in the same way. I believe that the Monitoring Commission will also, God willing, be established in a short time. The commission chaired by our Vice President Mr. Cevdet is also continuing its work. The sub-commission will also begin work soon. Some people actually did not think the process would proceed smoothly up to this point. But we have adopted a very determined stance on this matter. Rather than giving a definite date, we are focused on completing the process in a healthy, complete, and irreversible manner. There is a Latin saying, "Festina lente," which means "Make haste slowly." We, too, are acting carefully but swiftly, and do not want to allow any accident, God forbid. Our wish is that, in the not-too-distant future, the confirmation and detection stages be completed and, God willing, the stage of a National Security Council decision be reached. All our efforts are for this.