Türkiye denies plans to invade Iran if US strikes, citing respect for sovereignty

Türkiye's Communications Directorate firmly denied Tuesday media reports alleging that Ankara is preparing to invade Iranian territory in the event of a US attack on Iran, dismissing the claims as baseless disinformation. The statement on X reaffirmed Türkiye's longstanding principle of respecting neighboring countries' territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Official Denial

"Claims in certain media outlets alleging that 'Türkiye is planning to invade Iranian territory on security grounds in the event of a U.S. attack on Iran' contain disinformation," the directorate stated. The denial comes amid heightened regional tensions ahead of Thursday's nuclear talks in Geneva and unprecedented US military buildup in the Persian Gulf, which have fueled speculation and unverified reports about potential scenarios.

Commitment to Border Security and Sovereignty

The directorate emphasized that Türkiye "consistently upholds respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighboring countries" and maintains continuous border security measures. "Türkiye takes all necessary measures to ensure the security of its borders on a 24/7 basis, whether in times of crisis or otherwise," the statement stressed, distinguishing between routine defensive precautions and the invasion claims being circulated.

Call for Reliance on Official Sources

Authorities urged the public to refrain from crediting unverified claims and instead rely on official statements from competent institutions. The swift and unequivocal denial reflects Ankara's sensitivity to any narrative that could portray Türkiye as seeking regional expansion or destabilization, particularly at a moment when Iran-US tensions are approaching a critical juncture. By reaffirming its commitment to neighborly relations and territorial integrity, Türkiye positioned itself firmly against any suggestion of opportunistic military action while maintaining its independent foreign policy stance.