Politics
Türkiye’s Parliament meets behind closed doors to discuss regional war
Türkiye’s Parliament held a rare closed-door session on Tuesday to discuss the escalating war between the U.S., Israel and Iran and its potential consequences for Türkiye and the wider Middle East, as officials warned that the crisis reflects a broader breakdown in the international system.
The meeting of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (TBMM) was chaired by Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş and attended by senior government officials, including Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, along with leaders and deputies of the country’s political parties.
The closed session came amid rising tensions across the region following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict and its implications for Türkiye’s security and diplomacy.
Opening the session, Kurtulmuş said recent developments in the Middle East were exposing deep structural problems in the global political order and warned that international norms were increasingly being undermined.
“We are all witnessing that the recent events reveal profound tremors regarding the nature of the international system,” Kurtulmuş told lawmakers in his opening address. “The attacks against Iran have further destabilized an already fragile balance in our region.”
He said the ongoing conflict should not be viewed solely through a military lens, arguing that it reflects a broader crisis in the rules-based international order. “The picture we are facing cannot be explained merely as a military development,” he said. “What we see is a systemic crisis where the use of force is increasingly replacing the rule of law and where international mechanisms are being rendered ineffective.”
Kurtulmuş added that global institutions designed to maintain peace and enforce international law were losing their ability to restrain powerful states.
“There are rules, but they cannot be applied against the powerful,” he said. “Concepts such as legitimacy, sovereignty, diplomacy and deterrence are being eroded.”
According to Kurtulmuş, the erosion of the rules-based international system signals a broader transformation in global politics.
“It must be clearly stated that the international system has entered a serious phase of disintegration in terms of its nature and functioning,” he said. “Law is being replaced by power, principles by arbitrariness, and collective conscience by strategic calculations.”
Kurtulmuş also highlighted the humanitarian consequences of ongoing conflicts in the region, pointing to civilian casualties in Gaza, Iran and Lebanon.
“The heaviest price is always paid by civilians,” he said. “The humanitarian tragedy caused by the killings, starvation and destruction in Gaza continues with all its weight. Now the suffering of civilians in Iran and the deepening losses in Lebanon stand before us as new chapters of this tragedy.”
He said there was no difference between the pain of victims across the region, saying, “The pain of innocent people buried in Gaza’s soil is no different from the pain of those who lost their lives in Iran or Lebanon.”
Kurtulmuş also stressed that Türkiye could not remain silent in the face of regional injustice and instability.
“Our moral and political stance as a nation is clear,” he said. “Our civilization and historical consciousness require us to speak the truth openly against injustice. Remaining silent in such times is not neutrality but often the most comfortable refuge of oppression.”
“Türkiye cannot remain silent in such times. This Parliament cannot remain silent.”
The speaker argued that several crises across the Middle East, including those in Gaza, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen and Somalia, were interconnected and reflected broader regional instability.
He also said Israel’s policies toward neighboring countries had been a major driver of escalating tensions in the region. “The aggressive line pursued by Israel toward regional countries has become a determining factor,” Kurtulmuş said.
At the same time, he warned that a widening conflict could draw in more actors and deepen global instability, calling for an immediate halt to attacks and for diplomatic solutions to prevent the conflict from expanding.
Kurtulmuş emphasized that Türkiye was pursuing an active diplomatic approach aimed at preventing further escalation, noting that Türkiye evaluates regional developments not only in terms of power balances but also their humanitarian, legal and political consequences. “Our state acts with a principled, calm and results-oriented diplomacy,” he said.
He also underscored that Türkiye would continue diplomatic efforts while safeguarding its national security and regional stability.
“While making the strongest efforts for peace, we also have the capability and determination to protect our national security, our borders and the peace of our people,” he said.
Kurtulmuş said Ankara would not allow regional turmoil to undermine its internal security initiatives, including efforts to combat terrorism.
“No attempt will be allowed to transform regional shocks into new instability through terrorist organizations or proxy actors,” he remarked.
He also criticized what he described as double standards in international reactions to violations of sovereignty in the region. “Violations of the sovereignty of regional states have created a deep crisis of confidence in global public opinion,” he said.
Kurtulmuş further accused Israel’s leadership of fueling regional instability, describing its policies as dangerous and unsustainable. He argued that the main problem in the region was the “aggressive and lawless” approach of Israel’s current leadership and its supporters.
“A governing mentality that throws the region into flames and disregards law and conscience cannot be sustainable,” he stressed.
Minister’s briefing
Following Kurtulmuş’s remarks, Parliament moved into a closed session, during which journalists and visitors were asked to leave the chamber.
Security measures were tightened inside the assembly’s building, with press offices cleared, doors locked and signal-blocking jammers activated.
During the session, Foreign Minister Fidan and Defense Minister Güler delivered briefings to lawmakers on the latest developments in the Middle East conflict and its possible implications for Türkiye.
According to parliamentary officials, both ministers spoke for about 30 minutes each, providing updates on diplomatic efforts and security assessments.
After the briefings, representatives of political party groups addressed the assembly for 20 minutes each, expressing their views on the unfolding regional crisis. Two lawmakers from parties without parliamentary groups also spoke during the session.
The closed meeting lasted approximately four hours.
At the end of the session, Deputy Parliament Speaker Pervin Buldan announced that the assembly would reconvene on Wednesday at 2 p.m. local time.
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone call Tuesday with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war in the Middle East, Turkish diplomatic sources said.
Regional escalation has flared since Israel and the U.S. launched a joint attack against Iran on Feb. 28. Over 1,200 people have since been killed and thousands of others injured.
Tehran has refused to surrender and retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries that are home to U.S. military assets.
Turkish officials have intensified phone diplomacy with several states while urging restraint and calling for diplomatic solutions to the regional crisis.
According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Fidan spoke separately with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The discussions focused on the risks posed by the ongoing war and attacks affecting third countries.
Fidan also spoke with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, exchanging views on possible steps to reduce tensions in the region.
Most recently, in another call on Tuesday, Fidan told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that any violation of Turkish airspace was unacceptable and said Türkiye would continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its security.
Türkiye said Tuesday that a Patriot air defense system has been deployed to the eastern province of Malatya under NATO cooperation to strengthen the country’s airspace protection amid heightened regional tensions.
The Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) remain fully committed to safeguarding the country and its citizens, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.
“Necessary measures are being taken for the security of our borders and airspace, and consultations are ongoing with NATO and our allies,” the ministry said.
According to the statement, NATO has increased air and missile defense measures in addition to national steps taken by Türkiye.
“As part of these measures, a Patriot system assigned to support the protection of our airspace is being deployed in Malatya,” the ministry said.
Türkiye will continue to assess developments in coordination with NATO allies while maintaining its defense and security capacity at the highest level and working toward regional peace and stability, the ministry also noted.
Separately, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler held a phone call Monday with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Affairs Minister Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani.
During the call, the two officials exchanged views on bilateral and regional defense and security issues, the ministry said in a statement posted on social media.
The discussions come as Ankara intensifies consultations with regional partners amid ongoing security concerns in the wider Middle East.
On March 4, a ballistic projectile fired from Iran and heading toward Turkish airspace was intercepted and neutralized by NATO air and missile defense elements deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean, Türkiye’s Defense Ministry announced.
On March 9, NATO-member Türkiye said it also shot down a ballistic missile fired from Iran, in the second such incident five days.
“A ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defence assets in the Eastern Mediterranean,” the Defense Ministry announced in a statement.
Some fragments from the weaponry fell in open territory in the southern Gaziantep area, causing no injuries, the ministry added.
The developments came amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, launched on Feb. 28, which have so far killed more than 1,000 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Israel further expanded its heavy bombardment of Iran overnight Sunday, carrying out waves of strikes on civilian infrastructure, including fuel depots near Tehran, as fighting escalated on day 10 of the U.S.-Israeli campaign.
Lebanon was also drawn into the Middle East war last week, when Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of the Iranian supreme leader during U.S.-Israeli strikes.
Moreover, Türkiye has deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as part of a phased plan aimed at strengthening the territory’s security, the Turkish Defense Ministry announced Monday.
In a written statement, the ministry said the deployment began Monday and was carried out in response to recent developments in the region.
“Within the framework of phased planning aimed at increasing the security of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) in light of recent developments in our region, six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems have been deployed to the TRNC starting today,” the ministry noted.
The statement added that additional measures could be taken depending on further assessments of developments in the region.
“Following evaluations to be made in line with developments, additional measures will continue to be taken if necessary,” it said.
The development comes amid the rising tensions in the Middle East and growing military cooperation between the Greek Cypriot administration and its Western partners.
On the other hand, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler are expected to brief lawmakers at Parliament on Tuesday about U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East and measures taken by Ankara in response, according to parliamentary sources.
The briefing will take place during Tuesday’s General Assembly session, where the ministers are expected to outline the latest developments in the Middle East, including the risk of the conflict spreading and its potential impact on regional security.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a phone call Tuesday with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi following a recent missile incident involving Turkish airspace, according to Foreign Ministry sources.
During the call, Fidan stressed that any violation of Turkish airspace was unacceptable and said Ankara would continue taking all necessary measures to safeguard its security.
He also urged all parties to avoid actions that could undermine regional security or pose risks to civilians, sources said.
Araghchi told Fidan that the missiles detected heading toward Turkish airspace were not launched by Iran and said a comprehensive investigation into the incident would be carried out.
The conversation came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and growing security concerns following recent missile activity near Türkiye’s borders.
Last week, a ballistic projectile fired from Iran and heading toward Turkish airspace was intercepted and neutralized by NATO air and missile defense elements deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In a written statement, the Defense Ministry said the ballistic munition was detected after passing through Iraqi and Syrian airspace and was engaged in time before posing a direct threat to Turkish territory.
Debris found in the Dörtyol district of Hatay province was identified as belonging to air defense munitions used during the interception, the ministry noted.
Türkiye on Monday said it shot down a ballistic missile fired from Iran that entered Turkish airspace, which was neutralized by NATO air and missile defence assets, in the second such incident in five days.
Turkish authorities detained 13 suspects in Istanbul on suspicion of carrying out activities linked to the Daesh terrorist group and spreading propaganda through social media, officials said Tuesday.
The operation was carried out by counterterrorism and intelligence units of the Istanbul police under the coordination of the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office as part of efforts to disrupt and expose the terrorist group’s activities.
Authorities said investigators identified the suspects and their addresses after determining they were involved in activities linked to Daesh and were allegedly disseminating propaganda through social media platforms.
Police conducted simultaneous raids at the identified locations, detaining 13 suspects who were later taken to police headquarters for questioning.
In a separate operation in the southern province of Gaziantep, security forces arrested a foreign national suspected of links to the group.
The Gaziantep Provincial Gendarmerie Command carried out the operation in coordination with prosecutors and with support from counterterrorism units. Officials said the suspect, identified by the initials A.S., had entered Türkiye illegally and was believed to have been preparing to carry out a terrorist attack.
Investigators determined that the suspect had been active as an armed member of the Daesh between 2015 and 2017 in the Aleppo region of Syria.
The suspect was captured in the Nurdağı district, and digital materials seized during a search of the residence were confiscated for examination.
Following questioning, the suspect was referred to court and later jailed pending trial, authorities said.
Türkiye considers the Daesh terrorist group one of the biggest threats to the country’s security and peace, as the group faces nationwide raids, and was one of the first countries to declare it a terrorist group in 2013.
Officials said counterterrorism operations targeting Daesh networks and financing structures will continue across the country.
NATO-member Türkiye on Monday said it shot down a ballistic missile fired from Iran, in the second such incident five days.
“A ballistic munition launched from Iran and entering Turkish airspace was neutralized by NATO air and missile defence assets in the eastern Mediterranean,” it said in a statement.
Some fragments from the weaponry fell in open territory in the southern Gaziantep area, causing no injuries, the ministry added.
Monday’s incident follows last week’s interception in Türkiye’s southern border region. Since the US-Israeli attacks began on Feb. 28, Iran has fired missiles and drones at several countries across the region.
Türkiye’s Presidential Communications Director said officials have deployed all security measures while urging restraint.
“Türkiye strongly reiterates warning to all parties, namely Iran, to avoid steps endangering regional security and civilians,” Burhanettin Duran said in a statement on X.
Hours earlier on Monday, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson claimed Iran has not launched attacks against Türkiye, Azerbaijan or the Greek Cypriot administration, maintaining Tehran’s initial rejection of targeting neighboring and “friendly” Türkiye.
The New York Times, citing U.S. military officials, reported last week that the projectile may have been aimed at the key NATO air base in Incirlik.
Türkiye has largely remained neutral in the war with Iran. However, U.S. troops are stationed in the country. The NATO air base is located in Incirlik in the southern Turkish province of Adana.
According to U.S. figures, around 1,500 military personnel are stationed there. The base is considered an important military hub in the region.
The U.S. embassy in Ankara on Monday said Washington has advised non-essential staff to leave its consulate in Adana and ordered U.S. citizens to leave “southeast Türkiye.”
NATO has since said it strengthened its “ballistic missile defence posture” as Iran steps up its strikes across the region.
Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles said the missile was spotted by Spanish troops manning a Patriot missile battery, who are based at Incirlik.
They had “detected and reported the missile attack”, though they were not the ones that shot it down, she said.
Türkiye has issued necessary warnings to Iran, but Tehran continues to take “wrong steps” despite those warnings, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Monday, while stressing Ankara’s priority is to keep the country out of the conflict.
Speaking at a news conference after a Cabinet meeting, Erdoğan said Türkiye has closely followed developments surrounding the Iran conflict and has communicated its concerns directly.
“Necessary warnings were issued to Iran. Despite these warnings, it continues to take the wrong steps,” Erdoğan said.
He reiterated that Ankara’s primary objective is to prevent Türkiye from being drawn into the war, while continuing to advocate diplomacy.
“As in other wars, Türkiye stands on the side of justice and supports resolving conflicts through dialogue,” Erdoğan said.
The president also emphasized Türkiye’s defense capabilities, saying the country has the capacity to respond to threats targeting its security and sovereignty.
“The Republic of Türkiye is strong and capable in every field. It has the capacity to repel any attack and break the dirty hands targeting its survival,” he said.
Erdoğan’s remarks came after Türkiye shot down a ballistic missile fired from Iran, in the second such incident in five days.
‘Israel taking advantage of shifting global attention to sabotage 2-state solution’
Later on Monday, Erdoğan told a meeting with ambassadors that Israel is seeking to completely sabotage the path to a two-state solution by taking advantage of the global community’s attention shifting away from Gaza.
The president said that while humanitarian aid deliveries face difficulties, Israel continues to “terrorize the people of Gaza with systematic attacks.”
On continued U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran, he stressed that Türkiye does not accept the Middle East being subjected again to intervention “just as it was a century ago, or being laid back on the operating table.”
“Last week and today, ballistic elements heading toward Türkiye were neutralized in time, and the necessary warning was conveyed very clearly to the Iranian side,” Erdoğan added.
He reiterated that the war must end as quickly as possible to prevent it from spreading further in the region, adding that further adventurism will cost not just the warring parties, but the region and even the entire world, including Europe and Asia.
An honorable solution can be found for every problem that threatens regional stability and the future, said Erdoğan, and a new negotiation process is possible.
-
Sports3 days agoRussell, Mercedes dominate down under to win F1 season opener
-
Daily Agenda1 day ago‘Play’ warning to children from Minister Göktaş
-
Politics2 days agoOpposition to US-Israel-Iran war unites Spaniards, Turks
-
Daily Agenda3 days agoRelatives reign in Bolu Municipality – Last Minute News
-
Sports2 days agoGalatasaray set to turn up Champions League heat against Liverpool
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoBreaking news! Statement from Halkbank: The criminal case process that has been going on for 9 years in the USA is coming to an end
-
Politics2 days ago14 migrants die after smuggling boat sinks off southern Türkiye
-
Daily Agenda2 days agoMinistry of National Defense: The missile fired from Iran was destroyed! Ammunition pieces fell on empty lands in Gaziantep