Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday defended Iran’s right to retaliate against Israel’s ongoing bombing campaign, calling it a “legitimate” response to what he described as Israeli “thuggery and state terrorism.”
“It is Iran’s natural and legal right to defend itself against Israel’s aggression,” Erdogan stated, a day after accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of being “the biggest threat to regional security.”
The escalation began last Friday when Israel launched a large-scale bombing offensive, prompting Iran to retaliate with drones and missiles, including hypersonic weapons.
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Erdogan criticized Israel for carrying out the strikes while nuclear negotiations involving Iran were underway. “Israel, which possesses nuclear weapons and disregards international laws, did not wait for diplomatic efforts to conclude but instead resorted to terrorism,” he said.
According to Iranian officials, at least 224 people have been killed in the Israeli attacks, which have struck nuclear and military sites. Meanwhile, Israel reports that Iranian strikes have killed at least 24 people and injured hundreds.
“We are closely monitoring Israel’s terrorist attacks on Iran and are preparing for all possible consequences, including impacts on Türkiye,” Erdogan said, warning against any attempts to test his country’s resolve.
His comments drew a sharp rebuke from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who accused Erdogan of hypocrisy given Türkiye’s military presence in northern Syria and Cyprus.
“It’s ironic that someone with imperialist ambitions, who occupies parts of Syria and Cyprus, claims to speak on morality and international law,” Saar wrote on social media.
Earlier this week, Erdogan announced plans to boost Türkiye’s missile production to strengthen deterrence amid the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.
