Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued stern warnings to Iran following multiple ballistic missile incidents that violated Turkish airspace during the ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

The conflict erupted on February 28, 2026, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched airstrikes across Iran under Operations Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, assassinating Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top officials while targeting military sites, nuclear facilities, and infrastructure. Iran retaliated with missile barrages on Israel, U.S. bases, and Gulf states, establishing partial control over the Strait of Hormuz and causing oil prices to surge above $114 per barrel. As of March 29, the war entered its second month with continued strikes, including Israeli attacks on Tehran and Iranian missiles hitting Israeli sites, alongside Houthi involvement.

Turkey has remained on the sidelines but faced direct spillover. NATO defenses intercepted at least three Iranian ballistic missiles entering Turkish airspace, on March 4 near Hatay, March 9 near Gaziantep, and March 13 near Adana, none causing casualties. Iran denied intentionally targeting Turkey, calling the claims unfounded.

In a March 10 phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Erdogan stated the airspace violations "cannot be excused for any reason whatsoever" and that Turkey "will continue to take all necessary measures against this." He added that targeting regional countries serves no interest and urged an end to such actions, while criticizing "unlawful interventions" against Iran. Following the second incident, Erdogan warned Tehran against "provocative steps."

Despite the rebukes, Erdogan has emphasized Turkey's neutrality. On March 11, he called for halting the war "before it grows and the region as a whole is thrown into the fire," stressing diplomacy. He reiterated on March 13 that Turkey would not be "dragged into" the conflict but was prepared for threats. Turkey's primary goal remains staying out, with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attending de-escalation talks in Islamabad on March 29 alongside counterparts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Pakistan.

Ankara has offered mediation, relaying messages between the U.S. and Iran, and Erdogan stated on March 24 that Turkey would use all resources to end the war, citing economic fallout from soaring energy prices. Protests against the U.S. and Israel drew hundreds to the streets on Sunday.

Turkey has denied U.S. access to its bases for strikes on Iran and bolstered defenses, including F-16 deployments to northern Cyprus. NATO allies affirmed support for Turkey's defense without invoking Article 5.