Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has publicly defended Iran's military response to Israeli airstrikes, declaring that Tehran has a "legitimate, natural and legal" right to defend itself as regional tensions continue to escalate.
"It is a very natural, legitimate and legal right for Iran to defend itself against Israel's thuggery and state terrorism," Erdogan stated during a televised address on Tuesday, marking one of the strongest expressions of support for Iran from a NATO-member country.
The Turkish leader's comments come as the conflict enters its sixth day, with Israel conducting extensive military operations targeting Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. These operations follow coordinated attacks by Iranian proxies on Israeli territory.
Harsh Criticism of Netanyahu
In his address, Erdogan did not mince words when criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing him as "the biggest threat to the security of the region" and making the controversial claim that Netanyahu has surpassed Adolf Hitler in acts of genocide in Gaza.
"Netanyahu's crimes in Gaza have exceeded the horrors of the past. What we are witnessing is beyond war, it is a systematic campaign of annihilation," Erdogan declared. This is not the first time the Turkish president has drawn comparisons between Netanyahu and the Nazi leader.
The escalating conflict has raised significant concerns about regional stability, with Iran recently warning America that it would respond to any U.S. intervention in the same manner it has toward Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel has informed the United Nations that its strikes on Iran were aimed at "neutralizing an existential threat" allegedly posed by Iran's nuclear program.
As tensions continue to mount, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has vowed "no mercy" for Israeli leaders and declared that "the battle begins" in statements addressing the Iranian nation.
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