Erdogan warns Israel not to 'dynamite' US-Iran peace deal, calls Netanyahu government 'addicted to war'
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking alongside Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul, accused Israel of trying to sabotage the US-Iran peace agreement and said no regional solution could succeed without local support.
Erdogan's warning to Israel
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a sharp warning to Israel on 4 July 2026, stating that the Israeli government must not be allowed to "dynamite" the peace agreement between the United States and Iran. Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Istanbul, Erdogan said Turkey was closely monitoring Israeli efforts to undermine the deal.
No solution that does not draw strength from the will and contributions of the countries of the region can be sustainable.
Erdogan, whose country is a NATO member and neighbour of Iran, has repeatedly accused Israel of seeking to derail the Washington-Tehran agreement, in which Pakistan plays a mediating role. He also condemned Israeli military operations in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria.
'Addicted to war'
The Turkish leader used unusually harsh language to describe the current Israeli government, calling it "addicted to war" and warning that it must not be allowed to "drown our geography again in the smell of gunpowder and blood."
We are closely monitoring the Israeli government's efforts to dynamite the agreement. The current Israeli government, which is addicted to war, must not be allowed to drown our geography again in the smell of gunpowder and blood.
Erdogan's remarks are the latest in a series of verbal attacks on Israel, reflecting deep tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem over the Palestinian territories and regional security.
Turkey-Pakistan cooperation
Beyond the diplomatic rhetoric, Erdogan and Sharif used the occasion to announce plans for deeper bilateral cooperation. The two leaders said they aim to boost trade to $5 billion and expand collaboration in energy, transport, critical minerals, information technology and defence.
- Turkish and Pakistani officials attend a business conference in Istanbul, discussing energy and investment cooperation.
- Erdogan and Sharif hold a joint press conference; Erdogan warns Israel not to undermine the US-Iran deal and calls the Israeli government 'addicted to war'.
Earlier in the day, officials from both countries attended a business conference in Istanbul. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said Turkish companies are keen to contribute to projects in Pakistan and share expertise as Pakistan transforms its electricity sector.
