Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler has warned that the ongoing regional conflict could escalate further, describing the Iran–U.S. ceasefire as “fragile.”
Güler made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing Turkish military personnel deployed in Qatar as part of the Türkiye-Qatar Joint Force Command.
“The risk of war spreading in our region still exists,” he said in remarks cited by local media.
“Fragile as it may be, we value the announced ceasefire and wish for it to become permanent for the sake of ensuring regional security and economic stability,” Güler added.
Türkiye, he said, “pursues an approach that prioritizes peace, reduces tensions, and supports stability”.
“The duties performed by our units here [in Qatar] reflect this strategic approach on the ground,” the defence chief added.
He also praised what he described as Doha’s “determined and reasonable stance” during the weeks-long regional conflict between Iran, Israel and the United States, which is now in its second month.
On Wednesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Ankara was working to extend the shaky two-week ceasefire, which initially came into effect on 8 April.
Speaking to lawmakers, Erdoğan said the “window of opportunity” created by the truce should be seized, also warning that continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon were harming prospects for peace.
In 2015, Türkiye established a Land Forces Command in Qatar, with which it maintains close political and economic relations.
This was followed two years later by the establishment of the Türkiye–Qatar Joint Force Command in Doha.
In 2024, Türkiye also established naval and air commands in Qatar with the aim of contributing to the latter’s security and expanding its own military footprint in the region.
Addressing troops deployed in Doha, Güler said the objective of the Turkish military presence in Qatar was a “stronger Türkiye in the region and world and a more effective Turkish armed forces.”
During his visit to the small Persian Gulf country, Güler also met Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, with whom he discussed regional developments.
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