President Erdoğan's assessment of the 'Iran crisis' after the Cabinet Meeting

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan made important statements following the Cabinet Meeting.

Here are the highlights from Erdoğan's statements:

We discussed the Iran crisis and its possible scenarios in the Cabinet. Despite those who pour gasoline on the fire, we are carrying water to the fire and making a sincere effort to extinguish it. We are on alert with all our units. We are following all developments moment by moment with our staff experienced in crisis management. We do not let our guard down and remain cautious.

"THEY CANNOT DEVELOP A HEALTHY FOREIGN POLICY LINE"

Unfortunately, the main opposition has no tangible foreign policy vision. If you ask about diplomatic accumulation or crisis management experience, they don't have that either. In terms of foreign policy, they only have clichéd sentences. They have complexes hidden in their subconscious. Today, they cannot put forward a vision in foreign policy. They cannot develop a healthy foreign policy line. Their foreign policy is based on criticism and defamation. This perspective is as dangerous as it is a sick approach.

From Europe to Asian countries, they speak with praise about the balanced and moderate policy pursued by Turkey. My dear nation, I want everyone, including those who look at our country with an evil eye, to know this very well. Neither our state nor our government is ever in a state of helplessness. The attitude of 'if we are not in power, we do not have to act responsibly' is as wrong as it is an extremely selfish stance. We do not expect those who, until yesterday, criticized our missile tests under the pretext that 'the fish are getting scared' to act differently today.

"TODAY IS NOT THE DAY TO INFLATE SAILS IN POLITICS WITH NONSENSICAL RHETORIC"

Those who prioritize their own political future over the future of the nation can never gain credibility in our eyes or in the eyes of our nation. Today is not the day to inflate sails in politics with nonsensical rhetoric. Today is the day to act with a sense of responsibility and to act with common sense, at least until our region overcomes this danger. In this sensitive period, abandon the calculation of grabbing logs from a flood and try to conduct politics centered in Ankara.

Just as in the Russia-Ukraine war, which is entering its 5th year, in the Syrian conflict, and in Israel's genocide and massacres, Turkey stands on the side of right, justice, international law, peace, and stability in the Iran crisis as well. We have been in intense diplomatic traffic since the first day. We have had meetings with 16 leaders so far. Our Minister of Foreign Affairs has similarly held over 50 phone calls. Our Minister of National Defense, our Chief of General Staff, and our head of the National Intelligence Organization are in constant contact with their counterparts.

"WE LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE"

Our ministers are following issues related to their own areas of responsibility with sensitivity. We leave nothing to chance. We are taking the necessary measures with a dynamic process management to keep the economic effects of the crisis at a minimum level. Here, I would like to briefly remind you of what we have done within the scope of measures since February 28. The conflicts in our region create uncertainties in many areas, from energy and commodity opportunities to trade and supply chains. Such chaotic situations are a threat to economies caught unprepared. For those who are prepared, they are manageable processes. Thankfully, we are among the countries in the second category.

We are a country that has emerged from many crises and regional tensions in the past not by being wounded, but by becoming stronger. Our Central Bank's reserves are around 200 billion dollars. Our financial system and our markets continue to function in a healthy manner. Our Central Bank has taken the necessary measures to effectively manage Turkish Lira and foreign currency liquidity. Borsa Istanbul has rapidly implemented the safe operation of the markets. Despite the sudden rise in oil and natural gas prices, we are doing whatever is necessary for disinflation to continue.

"WE ARE DOING WHAT IS NECESSARY SO THAT TRADE IS NOT NEGATIVELY AFFECTED"

We do not allow any disruption in users' access to fuel. Thankfully, everything is under our control in the energy dimension. We had already made the supply of agriculture, fertilizer, and fertilizer raw materials. We reduced the customs duty to zero for the procurement of fertilizer from alternative countries. We believe that there will be no problems in our country regarding agricultural production and food supply security, God willing. We are doing what is necessary so that trade is not negatively affected. We have tightened our inspections to prevent irregular practices such as exorbitant price increases and hoarding.

Commercial and economic activities in 15 countries affected by the war are being carefully monitored by our trade counselors and attachés. With the latest draft it published, the EU Commission specified the scope of products produced in Turkey within the framework of the Customs Union regarding the EU origin condition. We see this as a step taken in the right direction.

"WE ARE OBSERVING OUR AIRSPACE 24/7"

Since February 28, we have been taking all the necessary steps to strengthen our defense and security measures. We are observing our airspace 24/7 with our F-16s, airborne early warning aircraft, and tanker aircraft. We are ensuring our border security under all conditions with approximately 60 thousand personnel from our land, naval, and air force elements. The missile, which was detected to have been fired from Iran on March 4 and directed at our country after passing through Iraqi and Syrian airspace, was neutralized by NATO.

Despite our sincere warnings, extremely wrong and provocative steps that will jeopardize Turkey's friendship continue to be taken. One should not enter into a calculation that will open deep wounds in the heart and mind of our nation and cast a shadow over our thousand-year-old neighborliness and brotherhood law. Turkey's place and stance are clear. Its efforts to prevent the fire from spreading further and to prevent bloodshed are evident. In the context of today's incident, I remind you once again that one should not persist and be stubborn in making mistakes.

"THE TRAP OF THE ZIONIST MASSACRE NETWORK TO MAKE BROTHER FIGHT BROTHER MUST NOT BE FALLEN INTO"

We have deployed 6 of our F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems to the island to increase the defense of the TRNC. We are in solidarity with the brotherly countries in the region, especially dear Azerbaijan, with whom we act with the motto of 'two states, one nation'. We are monitoring the activities of terrorist elements in the region moment by moment. I emphasize once again that we are against the scenario that will disrupt the 'Turkey without terrorism' process and deal a blow to the peace and future of our region. The trap of the Zionist massacre network to make brother fight brother must not be fallen into.