Erdogan Backs Iran’s Right to Self-Defense, Condemns Israeli Strikes
June 18, 2025 — Ankara
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday voiced strong support for Iran’s right to defend itself, criticizing Israel’s ongoing military campaign as an act of “state terrorism.”
“Iran has a natural, legal, and legitimate right to defend itself against Israel’s thuggery,” Erdogan said during a press conference, as the Israel-Iran conflict entered its sixth day.
Erdogan accused Israel of launching its bombing campaign while nuclear negotiations with Iran were still ongoing. “Israel did not wait for talks to conclude and instead carried out a terrorist act without waiting for the outcome,” he stated.
The conflict escalated early Friday when Israel launched a wide-scale aerial assault on Iranian targets. Iran responded with missile strikes, including the use of hypersonic weapons.
The Turkish president also reiterated his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him “the biggest threat to regional security.” Erdogan further condemned Israel for possessing nuclear weapons while disregarding international law.
The remarks underscore Ankara’s growing diplomatic alignment with Tehran amid heightened Middle East tensions and draw renewed attention to global calls for de-escalation
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