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.

Turkish police searched the headquarters of the Mersin Metropolitan Municipality on Wednesday and detained multiple suspects as part of a corruption investigation involving allegations of bribery, document forgery and bid rigging, prosecutors said.

The operation was launched under the coordination of the Mersin Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and targeted individuals suspected of involvement in several crimes, including bribery, forgery of official documents, tender manipulation, fraud against public institutions and money laundering.

According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, several suspects including individuals working within the People’s Party (CHP)-run metropolitan municipality were detained during the operation.

Police teams from the Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Department carried out searches at the municipality’s building in the Akdeniz district early Wednesday as part of the investigation.

Authorities said the suspects were believed to be linked to irregularities involving public tenders and financial transactions affecting public institutions.

During the investigation, authorities also seized assets believed to be connected to the alleged crimes, including 21 properties, three vehicles and one marine vessel, the statement said.

“The suspects believed to be connected to the incident have been detained following an operation conducted for crimes including bribery, forgery of official documents, bid rigging, fraud against public institutions and laundering of criminal proceeds,” the prosecutor’s office said in its written statement.

Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.

The main opposition CHP is under mounting scrutiny as a wave of corruption, bribery and terrorism-related investigations sweeps across its municipalities.

Authorities say several major investigations are underway into municipalities controlled by the CHP, covering allegations from large-scale tender rigging and bribery to financing terrorist organizations.

The most extensive probe targets the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB), led by ousted mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu, over claims of systematic corruption, fictitious tenders and abuse of public resources. Prosecutors allege a network, headed by senior municipal officials, rigged numerous public contracts. Imamoğlu and his aides deny all charges.

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Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he spoke with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and that Türkiye is prepared to host the next round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.

“The President noted that Türkiye is ready to host the next round ⁠of talks in a trilateral ​format. We appreciate this initiative ​and ⁠hope ‌it ‌can produce ⁠results,” ‌he wrote ​on Facebook on Tuesday.

Erdoğan stressed that the conflict in Iran should not undermine efforts to achieve peace in Ukraine, the Presidential Communications Directorate said.

Erdoğan said negotiations should continue without delay and emphasized the importance of rebuilding Ukraine, healing the country’s wounds and ensuring lasting security. He also noted that safe navigation in the Black Sea is of critical importance for Türkiye, adding that Ankara will provide all possible support for a cease-fire aimed at protecting ports in the region.

Türkiye is among the perfect candidates for mediating the conflict as it enjoys good relations with both sides. It is also a major member of NATO that remains vigilant against the possibility of a spillover of the conflict to Europe’s eastern flank. Istanbul was the venue of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in the early weeks of the conflict three years ago.

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Directorate of Communications head Burhanettin Duran met with reporters and Ankara-based media representatives at an iftar dinner on Tuesday in the capital, emphasizing the importance of accurate and verified information at a time of growing global instability.

In a post shared on social media, Duran said he was pleased to meet with members of the press and highlighted the role of the Turkish Presidency Directorate of Communications in managing the country’s communication agenda.

“As the Directorate of Communications, we are responsible for addressing many issues within Türkiye’s communication agenda,” Duran said. “This is both a state responsibility and, in many ways, a broader public responsibility that concerns us all.”

He added that the institution aims to maintain strong communication with journalists and keep its channels open to the media.

While carrying out its duties, Duran noted the directorate seeks to remain in close contact with members of the press and maintain transparent and effective communication.

Duran also underscored the growing importance of reliable information as the world faces increasing political and security challenges.

“At a time when the world is becoming more fragile and prone to crises, the importance of accurate and verified information has never been greater,” he remarked.

He warned that even small mistakes in reporting during periods of crisis could lead to major misunderstandings and serious consequences.

Duran said that under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Türkiye is managing an intense agenda ranging from diplomacy and security to economic policies and regional and global peace initiatives.

According to Duran, Türkiye’s expanding influence in global affairs requires a stronger, more coordinated and effective communication strategy.

He also emphasized the importance of combating disinformation, saying it is no longer solely a media issue but also a matter affecting democracy, security and social stability.

“The aim of the Directorate of Communications is to convey the policies and activities of our state accurately, quickly and reliably to both our citizens and the international community,” Duran said.

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Türkiye has intensified diplomatic contacts with regional and international partners as fighting in the Middle East raises concerns about the risk of a broader regional conflict and its potential impact on the country’s security.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday following recent tensions linked to missile activity near Turkish airspace, according to a statement by the Directorate of Communications.

During the call, Pezeshkian rejected claims that Iran had launched a missile attack targeting Türkiye and proposed the formation of a joint investigation team to clarify the incident.

“We are ready to establish a joint team to examine the claims put forward by hostile countries and regimes in order to eliminate misunderstandings,” Pezeshkian said, according to a statement.

Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s condolences over the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and expressed sorrow over civilian casualties, including children killed in a reported attack on a school in Iran’s Hormozgan province.

The Turkish president emphasized that Türkiye opposes any interference in Iran’s internal affairs and warned that escalating regional tensions would not serve the long-term interests of either Iran or neighboring countries.

He also stressed that Türkiye has no intention of confronting Iran and said Ankara is ready to contribute to efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

“Diplomatic channels must remain open more than ever in the current circumstances,” Erdoğan said during the call, according to the Turkish presidency.

The conversation came amid heightened regional tensions following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and escalating hostilities across the Middle East.

The war erupted on Feb. 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched a coordinated pre-emptive strike on Iran, targeting nuclear facilities, missile bases, naval installations and Iranian leadership.

The operation killed more than 1,200 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior officials.

Tehran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel and U.S. military assets across Gulf countries, while Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi forces in Yemen escalated regional hostilities.

Total casualties now exceed 2,000, with hundreds of thousands displaced, fueling a mounting humanitarian crisis.

Erdoğan also held a separate phone conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev on the same day to discuss the latest developments following attacks on Iran and the broader regional conflict.

During the call, Erdoğan said Türkiye would continue working to promote lasting peace and stability in the region.

Aliyev conveyed his well-wishes to Erdoğan following the interception of a ballistic projectile that had entered Turkish airspace.

Over the past week, two ballistic projectiles fired from Iran and heading toward Turkish airspace were intercepted and neutralized by NATO air and missile defense elements deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The diplomatic activities coincided with a meeting of Türkiye’s Cabinet chaired by Erdoğan in Ankara, where officials reviewed the potential impacts of the regional conflict on the country.

Speaking after the meeting, Erdoğan said Turkish authorities had analyzed various scenarios related to the crisis, including the possibility that the conflict could expand or intensify.

“We are monitoring developments moment by moment and ignoring no possibility,” Erdoğan said.

He added that all state institutions had been mobilized to manage potential risks stemming from the conflict.

“Our primary objective is to keep our country away from this fire,” Erdoğan said, emphasizing that protecting Türkiye’s security and the well-being of its population remains the government’s top priority.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a series of phone calls with counterparts from several countries to discuss the escalating 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.

Araghchi responded that the missiles detected heading toward Turkish airspace were not launched by Iran and also stated comprehensive investigation into the incident would be conducted.

Furthermore, Defense Minister Yaşar Güler also held a phone call with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defense Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani.

The two officials discussed bilateral defense cooperation and regional security developments, according to a statement from the Turkish Defense Ministry.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz also said Türkiye was closely monitoring the economic and security consequences of the conflict.

In a statement posted on social media, Yılmaz warned that the war between Iran, the U.S. and Israel was already affecting global energy and logistics channels and could further destabilize the regional and global economy if prolonged.

He said Türkiye continues to call on all sides to pursue diplomacy and a cease-fire to prevent further escalation.

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The trial of jailed former Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoğlu entered its second day with tensions in the courtroom on Tuesday, as disputes broke out between the defendant, lawyers and security officers over courtroom procedures.

Imamoglu, who was removed from office and jailed pending trial as part of a corruption investigation, objected after court officials attempted to seat him in the back row of the courtroom. The arrangement followed a court decision that he would deliver his defense later in the proceedings.

According to witnesses in the courtroom, Imamoğlu insisted on sitting in the front row, leading to a heated exchange with gendarmerie officers tasked with maintaining security. The dispute triggered arguments involving defendants, lawyers and security personnel before the judges entered the courtroom.

Once the panel took their seats, the presiding judge instructed Imamoğlu to sit down and follow courtroom procedures.

“There is an order in this courtroom. You will speak when you are given the floor,” the judge told the defendant.

Imamoğlu responded by demanding the right to speak, saying he had been promised the opportunity during the previous day’s hearing.

At one point, Imamoğlu criticized the court, saying its actions were a disgrace and questioned whether the judges had received instructions from outside authorities. The presiding judge rejected the claim, saying the court was acting independently.

Earlier, lawyers also objected to a decision restricting entry to attorneys who were not directly representing defendants in the case. Court officials later said the measure had been introduced after some attorneys with legal authorization were unable to enter the courtroom during the first hearing.

Following the exchange, the hearing continued with the court taking attendance of both detained and non-detained defendants.

Prosecutors filed a 3,809-page indictment in November 2025, accusing Imamoğlu of leading a criminal organization allegedly involved in corruption-related offenses. Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence of up to 2,430 years if he is convicted.

The trial is being held at a courtroom inside the Marmara prison complex in Silivri, west of Istanbul, where Imamoğlu is being held.

Court officials said hearings are expected to continue four days a week until the end of April, when defendants will continue presenting their defenses.

Moreover, an indictment filed against Imamoğlu and three other defendants on charges of political espionage has been accepted by a court, which set the first hearing for May 11.

The Istanbul 25th High Criminal Court ruled that the trial of Imamoğlu, Hüseyin Gün, Necati Özkan and Merdan Yanardağ will begin at 10 a.m. on May 11 at a courtroom in Silivri.

Imamoğlu, who was suspended from his post as mayor of the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB) following his arrest in a separate case involving allegations of leading a criminal organization for financial gain, faces between 15 and 20 years in prison if convicted of political espionage. The other three defendants face the same prison term.

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