Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized Israel for being the primary force behind a war that has pushed the region into an unprecedented crisis, as he reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for Qatar.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha on Thursday, Fidan condemned attacks targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

“Israel is the primary party responsible for dragging our region into this unprecedented crisis,” Fidan said, adding that Israel is exploiting the current chaos to violate Gaza cease-fire conditions.

He warned that the ongoing war threatens regional unity and stability, calling for an immediate cease-fire and a diplomatic resolution to the crisis.

At the same time, Fidan emphasized that Iran’s actions are also contributing to instability.

“We clearly and consistently convey to our Iranian counterparts at every level of contact that these attacks and escalation, which could cause irreparable and lasting fractures among regional countries, must be stopped immediately.”

“Likewise, we stress that actions threatening navigation and maritime security must be avoided,” he added.

Fidan added that Tehran cannot justify targeting regional countries while under attack itself, warning that such actions deepen the crisis.

He said Türkiye is working with all parties to prevent the conflict from spreading further and to stop the situation from deteriorating into a wider regional war. He stressed that Qatar was targeted by an attack while carrying out full mediation efforts, and added: Such attacks can never be justified under any circumstances. Türkiye stands by brotherly Qatar and will continue to do so.”

“They were subjected to an attack they did not deserve, and this attack is still ongoing. First of all, I would like to convey the Turkish people’s and our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s wishes for a speedy recovery to our Qatari brothers,” Fidan noted.

He emphasized that the ongoing war threatens the security of all brotherly countries in the region and deeply undermines stability, adding that they traveled to Riyadh on Wednesday at the invitation of Saudi Arabia and strongly reaffirmed full solidarity with the countries targeted by the attacks.

He also said Türkiye and Qatar agree on the necessity of keeping dialogue channels open to establish peace and addressing the concerns of all parties through negotiations.

Ankara-Doha ties continue to strengthen across all areas in the spirit of strategic partnership, Fidan stressed, adding the two countries have consistently demonstrated strong solidarity in overcoming challenges and will maintain this stance with the same determination.

“We are in agreement to further advance our relations, particularly through new and concrete steps in the defense industry,” he said.

Recalling that this was the first meeting in this format since the start of the war, Fidan said the talks in Riyadh resulted in agreement on making joint efforts to immediately halt the attacks, establish a ceasefire, prevent the spread of the conflict, and resolve the crisis through diplomatic means.

Tragedy in Gaza remains

“We also underline that the war must not distract the international community from Palestine and the tragedy in Gaza. Israel is taking advantage of the chaos to recklessly continue violating the ceasefire. The situation on the ground remains grave,” Fidan said.

He noted that nearly 700 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire was reached, adding that negative developments continue to emerge daily from the West Bank.

“We strongly condemn Israel’s actions in East Jerusalem, particularly restrictions on access to holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque, and attempts to alter the historical status quo,” he said.

He also stressed that Israel has begun implementing in Lebanon the same occupation and destruction policies it has carried out in Gaza.

“The international community must assume responsibility against Israel’s opportunistic policies based on faits accomplis and put a stop to its expansionism,” Fidan said.

“The only key to real and sustainable security in the region is the establishment of a just and honorable peace with the Palestinian people,” he underlined.

‘We are seeking ways to stop war before it worsens further’

Fidan stressed that Türkiye is doing its utmost to halt the attacks, adding: “Led by our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, we are sincerely seeking ways to stop the war before it evolves into a much worse situation.”

“Our president has undertaken initiatives in this direction. Together with my brother (Qatari counterpart Al Thani), we have also made joint efforts. Unfortunately, the (Iran) war could not be prevented,” he added.

He noted that Türkiye remains in contact with both the U.S. and Iran, trying to understand their positions and exploring ways to prevent further escalation.

“We have intensive exchanges of views, particularly with Qatar, as well as with other partners making efforts within this framework,” he said.

Emphasizing that nearly the entire world wants the attacks to stop, Fidan said there is a significant consensus on this issue, similar to the recognition of the State of Palestine.

He added that in talks with Iran, Türkiye seeks to ensure the conflict does not spread: “There is nothing that justifies Iran attacking regional countries simply because it is being struck. This deepens divisions, expands the war, and worsens the crisis.

“We continue to offer the most sincere and friendly advice to Iran as a responsible state — for both its own interests and those of the region,” Fidan said.

Fidan said the meeting in Riyadh, hosted by Saudi Arabia, focused on a single agenda item: “We attended upon Saudi Arabia’s invitation. Twelve countries were present. All regional countries directly or indirectly affected by the war were around the table,” Fidan said.

He said the sole agenda was “how to stop Iran’s attacks on the region and what measures should be taken,” adding: “Countries directly and heavily exposed to these attacks sought advice from brotherly countries like us.”

Noting that the meeting was lengthy, Fidan said participants emphasized the urgency of the situation. “Listening to our counterparts, the simultaneous launch of hundreds of drones and missiles and the disruption of normal life are pushing these states to take lasting measures,” he said.

Fidan also noted that he had spoken over the phone with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi before the meeting: “There was such a dialogue: ‘You are calling us now while missiles are coming from above. Missiles have just hit Riyadh. At least refrain from sending missiles to Riyadh during the meeting.”

“They, of course, want their diplomatic positions to be considered in certain settings. We listened to them and gave the necessary responses. We do not find the attacks against them justified, but neither do we find their attacks on regional countries justified. One wrong should not lead to another,” Fidan stressed.

He added that Iran should not choose the path of escalating the conflict, adding that Türkiye’s efforts on this issue will continue.

Fidan is on a tour to the Middle East countries to discuss the ongoing war in the region.

The tour came amid rapidly intensifying regional instability since the joint U.S.-Israeli offensive on Iran started on Feb. 28, along with Tehran’s subsequent retaliatory strikes across multiple countries in the region.

Fidan arrived in Doha following talks in Riyadh, as part of ongoing regional diplomacy aimed at de-escalating tensions. During his visit, Fidan toured the Türkiye-Qatar Combined Joint Force Command Headquarters in the Qatari capital, underlining the close military cooperation between the two countries.

Türkiye called on Wednesday for Syria to be shielded from the broader regional escalation triggered by ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, warning that growing instability poses a direct threat to Syria’s recovery.

Speaking at a U.N. Security Council session on the situation in the Middle East, Türkiye’s permanent representative to the U.N., Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, commended the Syrian government for its efforts to keep the country out of the regional conflict, saying it was “essential to keep Syria insulated from these tensions.”

He pointed to the ripple effects of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, which he said had internally displaced more than 1 million people and pushed over 100,000, predominantly Syrians, back across the border into Syria.

“In the face of this large-scale population movement, it is of utmost importance that U.N. entities, in particular the UNHCR and OCHA, continue to provide necessary support to the Syrian government,” Yıldız said.

He also called on Israel to withdraw from the southern Syrian buffer zone and areas it has occupied since Dec. 8, 2024, stressing that stability in southern Syria must be achieved in full compliance with the 1974 Separation of Forces Agreement and in respect of Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Yıldız also warned against complacency on counterterrorism, saying the threat posed by the Daesh terrorist group must be closely monitored during the current period of heightened instability and that Syria should be supported in strengthening its counterterrorism capacity as a member of the global coalition against the group.

“We must not allow the current environment to provide an opportunity for its reemergence,” he said.

On Syria’s political trajectory, the ambassador struck a cautiously optimistic tone, saying progress across security, political and economic spheres pointed toward “a more hopeful and constructive path.”

He also welcomed the removal of the Nusra Front, also known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, from the U.N. sanctions regime as an important step toward bolstering the international legitimacy of the Syrian government and urged sustained engagement to seize “a clear window of opportunity” for lasting stability.

On Dec. 8, 2024, Syrian opposition forces entered the capital Damascus, effectively ending Bashar Assad’s 24-year rule and the Assad family dynasty.

Hayat Tahrir al-Sham was one of the most prominent armed groups opposing Assad’s forces during Syria’s civil war, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syria’s president in the wake of Assad’s ouster.

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Türkiye has become part of an international task force formed to help Syria eliminate remaining chemical weapons from the former Assad regime, following an invitation from Damascus.

According to Turkish Foreign Ministry sources, a decision was adopted on Oct. 10, 2025, at the Executive Council of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) to support Syria in the accelerated on-site destruction of remaining chemical weapons remnants.

During his time in power, Assad’s forces were widely documented as responsible for hundreds of chemical weapons attacks. Independent investigations and U.N.-linked inquiries estimate over 300 confirmed attacks, primarily involving chlorine and other banned agents, with the vast majority attributed to government forces between 2012 and 2019.

While the Chemical Weapons Convention places the responsibility for destroying such weapons on individual states, due to the ousted Assad regime’s covert conduct of its chemical weapons program, its refusal to cooperate with the OPCW, the unknown fate of records pertaining to the chemical weapons program from the former regime’s era and the lack of capacity for destruction, a process had been initiated to provide support to Syria from the international community.

In parallel with this process, the Syrian government established an international task force in cooperation with the OPCW to locate, verify, secure and destroy the remnants of the country’s chemical weapons program.

Through this mechanism, referred to by Syria as the “Breath of Freedom Task Force,” it is envisaged that technical, logistical and training support will be provided to the Syrian government in the face of these challenges and that the international community’s support for this purpose will be coordinated.

In addition to Türkiye and Syria, the task force members include Qatar, the U.S., the U.K., France, Germany, Canada and the OPCW Technical Secretariat.

The task force members are generally expected to provide the necessary training and equipment to ensure that reconnaissance activities conducted by Syrian teams in the field are carried out safely, as well as to support the secure containment, storage and planned destruction of any chemical weapons and residues identified.

They are also expected to provide technical support for on-site destruction where safe storage is not feasible and to make concrete contributions to addressing Syria’s capacity gaps to strengthen the resilience of its health infrastructure against chemical risks.

A ceremony marking the official launch of the task force’s activities was held in New York on Wednesday with the participation of officials from member countries.

Türkiye was represented at the event by its permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız.

Türkiye’s contributions

The new Syrian government took power after the ouster of the Bashar Assad regime in December 2024 and has been working to recover from 14 years of civil war and to reintegrate into the international fold.

Türkiye has taken a leading role in supporting post-Assad Syria across multiple fronts. Ankara has expanded security cooperation, including training and equipping Syrian forces, while providing energy support, supplying natural gas and electricity to help restore critical infrastructure.

Türkiye has also been carrying out humanitarian demining activities in various parts of Syria, contributing to the disposal of unexploded ordnance as well as providing active political, technical and logistical support within the framework of the task force and OPCW-led international efforts.

In this context, Türkiye hosted a workshop in Ankara on Feb. 16-17 with the participation of experts from task force member countries and the OPCW.

The workshop assessed in detail the operational, technical and institutional capacity gaps in eliminating remnants of the former Assad regime’s chemical weapons program and helped structure support packages to be provided to Syria.

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The Foreign Ministry held a ceremony in the capital on Wednesday to commemorate diplomats, public officials and their family members who were killed in terrorist attacks while serving abroad, marking March 18 Martyrs’ Remembrance Day and the anniversary of the Gallipoli naval victory.

The ceremony took place at the Foreign Ministry Martyrs’ Cemetery in Ankara’s Cebeci Asri Cemetery and was attended by relatives of slain diplomats, senior Turkish officials, and representatives of foreign missions based in Türkiye. Among those present was Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Zeki Levent Gümrükçü.

Participants observed a moment of silence in honor of the fallen, followed by prayers. Wreaths were laid at the memorial on behalf of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, as well as by representatives of diplomatic families and institutions.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gümrükçü said the gathering was held to honor those who lost their lives while representing Türkiye abroad and to remember all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country.

“Today, we come together to commemorate our diplomats, public servants and their family members who were martyred while serving our nation abroad, as well as all those who gave their lives for our homeland,” he said.

Gümrükçü also highlighted the historical significance of the Gallipoli naval victory, describing it as a turning point not only for the Turkish nation but also for the course of world history.

“The Gallipoli victory demonstrated to the entire world the Turkish nation’s faith, sacrifice and determination for independence,” he said, adding that the battle remains a defining symbol of resilience and unity.

He noted that Türkiye has long been among the countries most affected by terrorism and recalled that attacks targeting Turkish diplomats abroad began in the 1970s. In 1973, Turkish Consul General Mehmet Baydar and Consul Bahadır Demir were killed in Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a series of attacks against Turkish representatives.

In the following years, attacks carried out by various groups claimed the lives of dozens of Turkish citizens, including diplomats, public officials and members of their families. Gümrükçü said a total of 41 people were killed in such attacks, while many others were injured.

“These attacks did not only target Turkish diplomats but also aimed at undermining peace and shared human values,” he said.

Gümrükçü stressed that those responsible for the attacks had failed to achieve their goals and would never succeed. He also expressed regret that some perpetrators have not yet been identified or brought to justice.

Calling for stronger international cooperation, he urged the global community to take a unified and non-selective approach in combating terrorism.

“A determined and comprehensive fight against all forms of terrorism is one of the most important guarantees of our common future,” he said.

He added that the Turkish Foreign Ministry continues efforts to honor the memory of its fallen personnel, including placing memorials and plaques at locations abroad where attacks occurred.

According to officials, memorials have already been established in cities such as Sydney, Ottawa, Lisbon, Vienna, Burgas and Belgrade, while work continues in other locations.

Gümrükçü remarked that commemorative events and projects are also being supported to ensure that the memory of the victims is preserved and passed on to future generations.

“As members of the Foreign Ministry, from the youngest to the most senior, we work every day to be worthy of the memory of our martyrs,” he said.

The ceremony concluded with participants visiting the graves of the fallen diplomats and paying their respects.

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Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) President Tufan Erhürman has voiced support for Türkiye’s deployment of F-16 fighter jets to the TRNC, warning that growing militarization by the Greek Cypriot administration risks turning the island into a flashpoint amid escalating regional tensions.

Erhürman said criticism from the Greek Cypriot side over the deployment was unfounded, stressing that Türkiye, as a guarantor power, has legitimate authority on the island. He warned that policies by the south to turn Cyprus into “a weapons depot” could render the island unlivable.

“They criticize the F-16s sent by Türkiye and even see themselves as having the authority to comment on them,” he told Anadolu Agency (AA), questioning the role of other countries. “Türkiye is a guarantor of the entire island. What status do France or the Netherlands have?”

His remarks followed Türkiye’s warning that increased military activity on the island by the Greek Cypriot administration allowing foreign forces and weapons, threatens regional stability. Turkish Defense Ministry sources said Wednesday that Ankara is taking additional steps to ensure the security of both Turkish Cyprus and the island as a whole.

The dispute has also extended to airspace control, with Türkiye and the TRNC rejecting a Greek Cypriot notice to airmen (NOTAM) as “null and void,” saying it undermines TRNC authority. Turkish Cypriot officials issued a counter-NOTAM, asserting jurisdiction over Ercan Airport airspace and urging aircraft to coordinate with their control units.

Tensions have intensified following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory actions, with spillover effects reaching Cyprus, which remains divided between Turkish Cyprus in the north and the Greek Cypriot administration in the south, an EU member not recognized by guarantor Türkiye. The TRNC, established in 1983, is recognized only by Türkiye.

A recent drone strike on a British base underscored the island’s exposure to conflict. In response, several European countries pledged military support to the Greek Cypriot side, while France deployed naval and air defense assets to the region.

Türkiye, in turn, deployed six F-16 jets and air defense systems to the TRNC on March 9, describing the move as a deterrent against missile and drone threats.

Erhürman criticized the Greek Cypriot administration’s growing military alliances, arguing they create insecurity and damage the island’s image. He said the presence of foreign military forces, from European navies to Western bases, feeds perceptions that the region is unsafe.

“No matter what you say, this creates the perception that this is not a safe region,” he said.

He also pointed to past alliance efforts involving Israel, Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, arguing that such partnerships contribute to current security concerns.

Calling on the Greek Cypriot side to abandon “adventurist policies,” Erhürman warned that continued efforts to position itself as a dominant regional actor could lead to greater risks for the island.

Despite rising tensions, he said coordination with Türkiye remains strong and that necessary precautions have been taken. Erhürman added that the TRNC currently faces no immediate threat but remains vigilant, emphasizing that decisions taken without the will of Turkish Cypriots should not impose consequences on them.

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Türkiye on Wednesday warned the Greek Cypriot administration against turning the island of Cyprus into a target amid the ongoing Iran war, saying growing militarization on the island threatens regional stability while reaffirming its commitment to protect Turkish Cyprus.

Defense Ministry sources said the Greek Cypriot side has, in recent years, made the island a target by allowing the accumulation of weapons on the island and permitting other countries to use it for military purposes.

“As a guarantor country, our country continues to take additional measures to ensure the security of not only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) but the entire island,” the sources said.

The ministry also rejected as “null and void” a recent notice to airmen (NOTAM) issued by the Greek Cypriot administration in the Eastern Mediterranean, describing it as an attempt to create jurisdictional confusion and disregard the rights of the TRNC.

The remarks came after a weekly press briefing at the 10th Main Jet Base Command in Incirlik, where ministry officials responded to questions from reporters.

The ministry said the Greek Cypriot administration has periodically taken similar steps, issuing notices that it said aim to undermine TRNC authority.

The TRNC authorities on Monday issued a counter-NOTAM declaring the Greek Cypriot notice invalid. The disputed NOTAM covered a wide maritime area south and east of Cyprus, including sections of airspace claimed by the TRNC. It advised aircraft flying up to 5,486 meters to exercise caution due to possible military activity and to remain in contact with Greek Cypriot air traffic control.

A NOTAM is an official aviation notice informing pilots of potential hazards, restrictions or changes in airspace that could affect flight operations.

TRNC authorities said air traffic and aeronautical information services within the Ercan advisory airspace fall solely under their jurisdiction.

“The NOTAM published by the Greek Cypriot administration is invalid and has no legal effect,” TRNC officials said, urging aircraft to follow official aviation information and coordinate with TRNC air traffic units.

The notice initially cited “U.S. military operations” before being revised to “possible military operations.” Maps published by the Greek Cypriot side marked areas extending from Türkiye’s southern coast to Turkish Cyprus.

The dispute comes as regional tensions have intensified following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, with spillover effects reaching Cyprus, which remains divided between Turkish Cyprus in the north and the Greek Cypriot administration in the south, an EU member not recognized by guarantor Türkiye. The TRNC, established in 1983, is recognized only by Türkiye.

Earlier this month, a drone struck a British base on the island, highlighting its exposure to escalating conflict. Greek Cypriot authorities said the drone was likely launched by Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Following the incident, several European countries pledged to send air defense systems and other military assets to Greek Cyprus, while France deployed an aircraft carrier, a frigate and air defense units to the Mediterranean.

Ankara too deployed six F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to the TRNC on March 9, describing the move as a legitimate measure to strengthen deterrence and protect airspace against rising missile and drone threats.

Turkish officials said the growing presence of foreign military elements on the island reinforces their concerns about militarization and supports the legitimacy of Türkiye’s actions. They emphasized the deployment was part of broader efforts to ensure security in the Eastern Mediterranean.

There is also unease on the Turkish side over the Greek Cypriot administration’s expanding military cooperation with Western partners, particularly after the United Kingdom allowed the United States to use its military facilities in Greek Cyprus.

British installations, including a Royal Air Force base, have played a key logistical role in Western operations in the Middle East in recent years.

2nd Patriot system deployed

Separately, Türkiye is reinforcing its air defenses with NATO support as regional threats persist.

NATO was deploying a new Patriot missile battery at Incirlik air base, just days after a third ballistic missile from Iran was shot down.

“Another Patriot system … is being deployed … in addition to the existing Spanish Patriot system stationed there,” a ministry official told reporters at the Turkish air base, just outside the southern city of Adana.

The ministry did not say which country’s troops would be operating the new PAC-3 system.

Last Friday, Türkiye confirmed a third ballistic missile from Iran was shot down in Turkish airspace by NATO forces, the third such incident since the Middle East war started.

After the second interception, NATO deployed Patriot defenses in the central Malatya region, where the Kürecik air base is located, which houses a NATO early-warning radar system manned by U.S. troops that can detect Iranian missile launches.

Türkiye, which has maintained a neutral position in the war, has repeatedly assured the system was not used against Iran.

Iranian officials have insisted that they did not fire at Türkiye, although the available data shows that the missiles came from Iran, the Turkish foreign minister said on Saturday.

The Patriot is a mobile air-defence system designed to intercept tactical ballistic missiles, low-flying cruise missiles and aircraft.

The PAC-2 version has an interception range of up to 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) against aircraft and cruise missiles, while the PAC-3 has a range of 20 to 35 kilometers against ballistic missiles, according to U.S. Army data.

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