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Türkiye’s Parliament on Monday unanimously approved a motion submitted by the Speaker’s Office condemning Israel’s escalating military campaign against Iran and warning of the growing risk of a large-scale regional war.

The parliamentary motion, signed by Speaker Numan Kurtulmus and read aloud in the General Assembly, accused Israel of pursuing a strategy aimed at destabilizing regional peace and warned of the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of continued aggression.

“The Turkish Grand National Assembly is closely following Israel’s long-standing unlawful and genocidal policies, which threaten global stability,” the motion said.

‘A grave crime against humanity’

The motion condemned Israel’s attacks on Iran, which began on June 13 with coordinated airstrikes targeting military and nuclear sites, and framed them as a continuation of a broader campaign of regional aggression following the war in Gaza.

“After the massacre of tens of thousands of innocent civilians in Gaza, Israel’s assault on Iran clearly shows that it is following a conflict strategy that targets all regional peace efforts,” the statement read.

It added that Palestinians are enduring systematic oppression, occupation, and genocide, and that the blockade of humanitarian aid has left many to face starvation. “By targeting civilians and children awaiting aid, the Israeli government and military have committed yet another grave crime against humanity,” it said.

‘Regional war risk rising’

The motion warned that Israel’s attacks on Iran represent a “provocative and threatening step” that could derail international cooperation on nuclear negotiations and trigger broader conflict.

“It is now clearly evident that occupying Israel is also the perpetrator of a potential regional war,” the Parliament said.

Lawmakers also condemned Israeli military actions in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen, saying these reflected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s desire to expand the conflict.

An infographic titled “Mutual strikes between Israel and Iran” created in Ankara, Türkiye on June 17, 2025. (AA Photo)

‘Genocidal administration’

“The legal proceedings against Netanyahu and members of his government will eventually declare this administration genocidal,” the motion stated, adding that global public opinion has already condemned both Israel’s actions and the countries supporting them.

“As the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, we strongly condemn Israel’s actions that threaten regional peace — especially its ongoing genocide in Gaza — and its latest attacks on Iran,” it said.

The motion called on international institutions and governments to take a principled stance against Israel’s aggression and to uphold international law and diplomacy.

“With a vision prioritizing peace and human life, we will continue our efforts to establish a lasting solution in the region,” it concluded.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have spiraled since June 13, when Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple Iranian military and nuclear facilities. Tehran launched retaliatory missile attacks.

Israeli authorities say at least 24 people have been killed and hundreds injured in Iranian strikes. Iranian officials report at least 224 deaths and more than 1,000 wounded in Israeli attacks.

Türkiye urges diplomacy, blasts Israeli strikes

On June 13, Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Iran as a “clear violation of international law” and a “provocation.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in a June 14 call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, called Israel “the greatest threat” to regional stability and security.

A day later, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said Erdogan had offered to help facilitate diplomatic efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear dispute during a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump — their second in two days.

“Diplomacy is the only viable path,” Erdogan said, affirming Türkiye’s readiness to take on a facilitative role in de-escalating the crisis and restarting negotiations.

June 17, 2025 11:18 PM GMT+03:00