Tensions rise in the Middle East as Erdoğan makes a pointed post: A jab at Özgür Özel

As tensions in the Middle East rise rapidly, attention has turned to international security concerns. With Iran launching a new attack on Israel, sirens sounded in Israeli cities and explosions were heard in Jerusalem.

Following the escalation of security risks in the region, the US Embassy in Doha, Qatar, called on its citizens living in the vicinity to evacuate and issued a warning to stay away from the embassy area.

While reports of serious explosions in Tehran have emerged, a statement from the Iranian administration indicated that the ammunition detected and destroyed while heading toward the Turkish border was not targeting Turkey.

While developments in the region are being closely monitored, AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan drew attention by sharing test footage of defense industry projects on his social media account. With the note, "If we had listened to those who said 'don't test missiles, the fish are getting scared,' we certainly would not have achieved any of this...", Erdoğan also made a reference to CHP Chairman Özgür Özel.

If we had listened to those who said 'don't test missiles, the fish are getting scared,' we certainly would not have achieved any of this... pic.twitter.com/Xp0BMZXflT

— Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (@RTErdogan) March 4, 2026

WHAT HAD ÖZEL SAID?

CHP leader Özgür Özel had stated during the fishing season opening he attended in Sinop last September that missile tests by ASELSAN and ROKETSAN were negatively impacting tourism and fishing in Sinop.

Özel had remarked, "No one is against ASELSAN and ROKETSAN developing domestic and national defense industry projects. Of course, these will have tests, but you don't do them in a city like Sinop that relies on tourism and fishing. There is nothing to do other than fishing, and you are saying 'don't go fishing, we will conduct a missile test' for 182 days of the year, that is, 1 out of every 2 days. Rockets and missiles pass over the heads of tourists. The days they don't go out are a separate loss, and furthermore, the fish get scared by those sounds, abandon their habitats, and do not nest in that region. The efficiency of fishing drops."

News Source: 12punto