Erdogan Frankly Blames Israel for the World's Turmoil

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has affirmed that the Israeli government bears the primary responsibility for the “illegal war” currently underway with Iran. This war, lasting over a month, has brought catastrophe to the world, marked by a surge in oil prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Erdogan’s statement was delivered during a meeting of the parliamentary group of the Justice and Development Party (AK) in Ankara.

“The Israeli government bears the main responsibility for this illegal war, which has not only turned our region into a conflict zone but has also burdened the economies of all humanity,” said Erdogan on Wednesday (1/4/2026) local time, as quoted by Anadolu.

He also alluded to the political impact of the conflict on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “It should not be forgotten that every drop of blood spilled in the war will prolong Netanyahu’s political survival,” he said.

Erdogan noted that the conflict, which began on 28 February, has now entered its first month with increasing levels of threat. According to him, Turkey is striving to navigate this turbulent situation without becoming more deeply embroiled in the conflict.

“Among the main dangers facing our region is not only the prolongation of the war but also the risk of it developing into a broader regional conflict,” he stated. He added that retaliatory attacks targeting the energy, transportation, and civilian infrastructure sectors heighten the potential for escalation.

In efforts to de-escalate the conflict, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is said to have attended a four-nation meeting in Islamabad with representatives from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan. The meeting discussed shared concerns and steps to end the war.

Additionally, National Defence Minister Yasar Guler and Head of the National Intelligence Organisation Ibrahim Kalin are also reportedly conducting intensive efforts in their respective fields.

Erdogan stressed the importance of opening space for diplomacy to stop the conflict. “If there is the slightest hope of ending the bloodshed, drying the tears, and silencing the weapons, it is our duty to seize it,” he said.

He emphasised that war is not in line with efforts to maintain global peace.

“Diplomacy, dialogue, and compromise are the best tools available to exit this impasse,” said Erdogan, expressing hope that the path to peace can soon be opened without further bloodshed.