As a powerful regional actor, Turkey has often walked the tightrope of geopolitics—but when the United States launched a nuclear missile at Iran, Turkey broke its silence with fury. Bound by history, religion, trade, and blood, Turkey condemns this brutal act of war as an affront to all of West Asia.

1. A Shared Border, A Shared Destiny

Iran and Turkey share over 500 km of border and centuries of intertwined history—from the Persian and Ottoman empires to modern-day cooperation in energy, trade, and regional diplomacy. Even during times of tension, both nations have preserved mutual respect and non-aggression.

In moments of crisis, Turkey has often acted as Iran’s emergency corridor, offering humanitarian routes and standing firm against external military interference.

Today is no different.

2. Erdogan’s Official Condemnation: “A Violation of All Islamic and International Norms”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a nationally televised address, called the nuclear strike “a direct attack on humanity and a destabilization of the Muslim world.” Turkey’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the U.S. Ambassador and issued a formal protest at the United Nations.

Erdoğan further announced Turkey’s readiness to lead a summit of Muslim nations to demand an international ban on nuclear aggression against Islamic states.

3. Massive Protests Across Turkish Cities

From Istanbul to Ankara, Konya to Diyarbakır, millions of Turks marched under banners that read:
“Kardeşim İran” (My Brother Iran), “Stop Nuclear Terrorism,” and “America Out of West Asia.”

Friday khutbahs across over 80,000 mosques condemned the attack, and a moment of silence was observed before the azan across the nation.

4. Civil and Humanitarian Mobilization

The Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay) launched a nationwide campaign to support victims in Iran, sending convoys of medical supplies, radiation treatment kits, and trauma teams.

Meanwhile, student unions and youth organizations flooded social media with visuals and music calling for unity under the hashtags #Türkiyeİranla (Turkey With Iran) and #NoToNuclearWar.

5. History of Alliance: Turkey and Iran Through the Ages

Though often portrayed as rivals, Iran and Turkey have been stable neighbors since the Treaty of Qasr-e Shirin (1639)—a remarkable feat in a volatile region. Both countries opposed foreign military occupation in the 20th century and cooperated during the U.S. invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan to mitigate refugee fallout.

In recent years, their strategic dialogue intensified via the Astana peace process, economic cooperation, and joint efforts to combat terrorism.

6. A Call to the Muslim Ummah

Turkey’s Directorate of Religious Affairs called on all Muslim nations to unite against this nuclear precedent. Turkish scholars framed the incident as a modern-day Karbala, invoking deep Shi’a-Sunni unity and the Islamic duty to defend the oppressed.

“To remain silent is to accept tyranny,” said one mufti in Şanlıurfa.

Conclusion

Turkey does not view the nuclear bombing of Iran as an isolated act—it sees it as a turning point for the Muslim world and the entire global order. From state halls to street protests, from humanitarian aid to interfaith solidarity, Turkey has risen in defense of justice, peace, and Iran’s right to exist with dignity.

To the Iranian people, Turkey says:

“You are our neighbors. You are our brothers. Your pain is ours. And we will not let the world forget.”