Erdogan warns against Israeli ‘sabotage’ of US-Iran ceasefire

WEB DESK: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has issued a stern warning that Israel must not be permitted to “sabotage” the fragile ceasefire recently brokered between the United States and Iran.

Speaking to his AK Party parliamentary group on Wednesday, 15 April 2026, the Turkish leader accused Benjamin Netanyahu’s government of actively seeking to undermine the diplomatic breakthrough, according to Al Jazeera.

‘Clenched fists’ and diplomacy

President Erdogan emphasised that the “window of opportunity” created by the truce must be seized to prevent the Middle East from descending further into conflict. “The Israeli government, which is known to be unhappy with the ceasefire process, must not be allowed to sabotage it,” Erdogan told lawmakers in Ankara.

The President argued that the region cannot afford a return to hostilities, stating: “Negotiations cannot be held with clenched fists.

Weapons must not be allowed to speak again instead of words.” His comments follow a week of heightened tensions where Türkiye, alongside partners like Pakistan and Egypt, has been pushing for a permanent de-escalation of the US-Iranian standoff.

Regional stability at stake

Erdogan’s remarks come amidst a sharp war of words between Ankara and Jerusalem. Over the weekend, Prime Minister Netanyahu dismissed Erdogan’s concerns as “absurd,” vowing that Israel would continue to confront what it terms Tehran’s “terror regime.”

Despite this, Erdogan remained defiant, asserting that any lasting peace in the region would have to be achieved “despite the Zionist regime.”

The Turkish President also confirmed that Ankara is making “necessary appeals and initiatives” to extend the current temporary ceasefire.

He warned that if stability is to be achieved, it will require the international community to resist provocations intended to collapse the talks.

“We will continue to be the voice of peace,” he stressed, “and lead efforts with the principle of peace at home, peace in the region, and peace in the world.