Türkiye will not stand by against hostile moves in the region, Erdoğan says

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a firm warning to regional actors after a Cabinet meeting, saying Türkiye’s calm approach should not be mistaken for weakness. Ankara, he said, would not stand aside while hostile moves unfolded nearby or allow operations on Turkish territory.

“Let me state this openly and clearly: Our calm and composed stance should not lead anyone to false expectations,” Erdoğan said. “We will not allow anyone to conduct operations on these lands, nor will we simply watch hostile steps in our region from the sidelines.”

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Let me state this openly and clearly: Our calm and composed stance should not lead anyone to false expectations.

Erdoğan said Türkiye was not opposed to any religion or community, but would resist aggression regardless of its source. He also said those unsettled by the country’s growing strength would not divert it from its course. “Türkiye will once again unite with its brothers and sisters. Those who are friends of Türkiye will win, and those who choose hostility will lose,” he said.

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We will not allow anyone to conduct operations on these lands, nor will we simply watch hostile steps in our region from the sidelines.

The president also discussed maritime search-and-rescue operations. He said 14 people had been killed and another 14 were missing after a passenger vessel capsized off Girne in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Türkiye is supporting operations coordinated with the TRNC using nine vessels and 11 aircraft, while Turkish authorities are following the judicial investigation. Search efforts are continuing for 10 crew members after a separate shipwreck off Silivri.

On foreign policy, Erdoğan pointed to Türkiye’s historical ties, cultural heritage and expanding capabilities. He said Ankara would continue cooperation with countries worldwide while pursuing a policy centered on national interests. He highlighted the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and Türkiye’s participation in its Sept. 1 summit in Bishkek, where he said he met several leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin. Erdoğan also cited exports of $185 billion in the first eight months of 2026, $1.7 billion below the year-end target, and announced new housing measures for Istanbul.

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Türkiye will once again unite with its brothers and sisters. Those who are friends of Türkiye will win, and those who choose hostility will lose.