Turkey Reacts to Israel–Iran War: Fears, Strategy, and Calls for Mediation

Ankara raises regional alarm as Turkish leaders warn of deeper threats behind Israeli strikes

Turkey has reacted strongly to Israel’s recent military campaign against Iran, warning that the conflict risks engulfing the entire Middle East—and potentially targeting Turkey itself. Devlet Bahçeli, leader of the nationalist MHP party and a close ally of President Erdoğan, has accused Israel of seeking to “encircle Anatolia” and derail Turkey’s regional influence, calling Israel “the hired gun of global imperialism.”

While Turkey has condemned Israel’s actions and backed Iran’s right to respond, President Erdoğan is also using the crisis to project Turkish power and offer Ankara as a mediator between Tehran, Tel Aviv, and Washington.

Bahçeli: “Israel Wants to Sabotage Turkey’s Future”

In a fiery statement, MHP Chairman Devlet Bahçeli accused Israel of exploiting the Iran conflict to isolate Turkey and disrupt its ambitions for a terrorism-free region. He argued that Israel’s attacks were not only a threat to Iran but also part of a larger geopolitical design to surround and destabilize Turkey on behalf of foreign powers. His remarks came amid growing fears in Ankara that the confrontation could spill over into neighboring countries—or even spark a nuclear escalation.

Bahçeli also denounced Israel’s strikes on civilian areas and its treatment of Palestinians in Gaza, calling on President Trump to stop issuing “confusing” messages and adopt a consistent peace-oriented policy.

Erdoğan: “We Will Not Stand By”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has gone beyond rhetoric, describing Iran’s retaliatory missile strikes as a “legitimate right to self-defense” and warning that Turkey “will not remain passive” if the situation escalates.

Following a cabinet meeting this week, Erdoğan ordered an acceleration of Turkey’s medium- and long-range missile development and pledged to make the Turkish defense industry entirely independent. “No one should dare test us,” he said, pledging a full-spectrum deterrence strategy.

Erdoğan has also launched a major diplomatic offensive, contacting regional leaders in Oman, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Iraq to press for an immediate ceasefire and a return to nuclear negotiations. His calls to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump included direct offers for Turkish mediation.

Mediation and Strategy: Turkey’s Dual Approach

While strongly condemning Israeli airstrikes, Turkey is also trying to leverage the conflict to boost its own strategic position. By portraying itself as a neutral mediator, Ankara is reasserting its geopolitical clout—as it has done in the Russia–Ukraine war.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry sharply criticized Israel for rejecting diplomacy, while Erdoğan emphasized the dangers of regional destabilization in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Turkey sees a possible power vacuum if Iran becomes overstretched by the war. This could allow Ankara to consolidate influence in Syria and Iraq, where Iran has historically wielded power through militias and political allies. With the Assad regime weakened in Syria, Turkish involvement is likely to expand. In Iraq, economic and security cooperation with both Baghdad and the Kurdish Regional Government is deepening.

Domestic Reaction: Public Fears and Military Readiness

The Israeli strikes—and the swift US support for them—have raised deep concerns within the Turkish public. Many fear Turkey could become a future target, especially as a NATO member with growing regional reach.

Government-aligned media have published leaks claiming Turkish radars tracked Israeli F-35s, with Turkish F-16s scrambled in response. Some reports even suggest Israeli jets briefly violated Turkish airspace—an allegation Ankara has not confirmed publicly.

Behind the scenes, Turkey has held two rounds of high-level security meetings and is studying Israel’s military tactics closely. Officials say they have prepared contingency plans, including for refugee flows and potential PKK mobilization.

Turkey’s broader strategy includes re-engaging with imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan to prevent the group from being used as a regional proxy by either Israel or Iran.

Historical Tensions and Erdoğan’s Final Word

Despite historic military cooperation, Israel–Turkey relations have sharply declined under Erdoğan. While Turkey was the first Muslim nation to recognize Israel, relations soured after the 2010 Mavi Marmara raid and have never fully recovered. Ankara believes Israel’s recent actions constitute not just a regional power play but a direct challenge to Turkey’s sovereignty and ambitions.

Erdoğan, invoking the legacy of the Ottoman Empire, concluded his speech with a stark message: “If you want peace, you must always be ready for war.” The Turkish leader later posted the statement to social media alongside the Ottoman imperial seal—an unmistakable signal of national resolve.

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