“Blood is flowing in the region because of the war ignited by Israel,” Erdogan says
ALBAWABA- Recep Tayyip Erdogan sharply condemned the ongoing US–Israel strikes on Iran (2026), warning that the conflict threatens the entire Middle East and is being paid for first by Muslims and then by all of humanity.
Speaking to members of his Justice and Development Party (AK Party) in Ankara, Erdogan said: "Blood is flowing in the region because of the war ignited by Israel. The war does not target Iran alone, but Netanyahu's schemes aim to occupy Lebanon and are being implemented step by step. Israel's war in the region is paid for by Muslims first, then by all of humanity."
He adds: "What is the difference between the tears shed in Isfahan, Tabriz, and Tehran, and the tears shed in Erbil, Amman, Baghdad, Beirut, Sana'a, Doha, Riyadh, and other sister cities in the region? What difference does it make to the perpetrators of the massacres whether our names are Ali, Omar, Aisha, or Hassan?"
Erdogan used the remarks to call for Muslim solidarity across sectarian lines, stressing that Sunni and Shia divisions undermine collective security and regional stability. “We have a single religion, and that is Islam,” he said, noting that revered figures such as Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Hussein and Hazrat Aisha belong to all Muslims. He urged Muslims to see each other as “brothers and sisters in humanity” rather than divided by sect.
He also warned of the economic consequences of continued conflict, saying, “In the eyes of the stock market traders, there is no difference between Omar, Ali, Aisha, and Al-Hussein,” pointing to the rising oil prices and global market turbulence caused by regional instability.
The speech comes as the war triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran enters its fourth week, with Iranian retaliation targeting Gulf states and raising fears of wider escalation. Erdogan has consistently criticized Israeli actions while condemning Iranian strikes on Gulf infrastructure as unacceptable.
Turkey has intensified diplomatic efforts to prevent Gulf nations from becoming further involved. Hakan Fidan, Turkey’s foreign minister, has conducted multiple calls and visits with Gulf and European officials, while Erdogan has personally contacted leaders in the UAE, Qatar, and other Gulf states, offering condolences after Iranian attacks and urging restraint.
Turkish officials say these measures aim to protect regional stability, shield Turkey’s economy from energy shocks, and position Ankara as a neutral mediator. Erdogan warned that prolonging the conflict risks engulfing the Middle East in “flames” and inflicting high costs on global markets.
