Ankara: Trkiye shows no 'negligence or hesitation in ensuring the security of our borders and airspace,' President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Addressing an event in Ankara, Erdogan stated, "At a time when Trkiye's struggle for peace in the region has been crystal clear since day one, no one should adopt misguided stance that undermines principles of neighborliness and brotherhood."

According to Anadolu Agency, Erdogan stressed Trkiye's diplomatic efforts regarding the crisis in the region, saying that the country will continue its multi-dimensional diplomacy with the aim of preventing further bloodshed and ensuring that no more innocent lives are lost. He also addressed Wednesday's incident when a munition fired from Iran toward Turkish airspace was intercepted by NATO defense units, emphasizing Ankara's 'sensitivity' and the 'necessary warnings' issued to prevent similar incidents.

Erdogan highlighted the importance of recognizing Trkiye's friendship and its value, adding that if a threat to the country's security arises, all necessary measures will be taken in coordination with allies. He compared the current situation to the Russia-Ukraine war, asserting that Trkiye is doing 'whatever it takes to protect our country and our nation from all dangers in the Iran crisis.'

The president also noted his phone calls with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, during which he condemned Iran's drone attack on Azerbaijani exclave Nakhchivan. Tensions in the Middle East have escalated following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran beginning February 28, which resulted in over 1,000 casualties, including Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and more than 165 elementary schoolgirls. Iran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel and US-linked sites in Gulf countries, disrupting energy routes.