Türkiye enters a new era with proactive approach, president says

Friday 13 March 2026 - 19:40

Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said the country is moving into a new phase of governance and foreign policy that requires faster decisions, stronger preparedness and a more proactive approach to regional challenges.

Speaking during an iftar gathering in Istanbul, the Turkish president emphasized that protecting national stability remains the government’s top priority at a time of rising tensions in the Middle East.

According to Erdoğan, Türkiye aims to prevent the ongoing regional conflicts from spilling across its borders. He stressed that authorities are closely monitoring developments and implementing precautionary measures to safeguard the country’s airspace and security.

His remarks followed reports that a ballistic munition launched from Iran briefly entered Turkish airspace before being intercepted. Turkish officials said defense systems connected to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization network helped neutralize the threat in the eastern Mediterranean region.

The president also called on citizens to remain vigilant against attempts to provoke sectarian or ethnic divisions during a period of geopolitical tension. He warned that such provocations could be used to destabilize societies or drag countries into wider conflicts.

Erdoğan reiterated that Türkiye is determined to act carefully and strategically in the face of regional crises. While strengthening its security measures, the country also seeks to avoid escalation and maintain stability.

Addressing broader humanitarian concerns, the Turkish leader criticized what he described as global indifference to human suffering in conflict zones. He argued that international attention and reactions to humanitarian crises often remain inconsistent.

Türkiye, he said, intends to continue advocating for justice, humanitarian principles and international responsibility in a world increasingly challenged by political and moral divisions.