Türkiye rejects reports that it plans to send troops to Iran if U.S. attacks

Ankara has rejected media reports claiming it plans to deploy military forces into Iranian territory in the event of a U.S. attack on the Islamic republic.

Ankara has rejected media reports claiming it plans to deploy military forces into Iranian territory in the event of a U.S. attack on the Islamic republic.

“Claims in certain media outlets alleging that Türkiye is planning to invade Iranian territory on security grounds in the event of a U.S. attack on Iran contain disinformation,” the Turkish Communications Directorate said in a statement this week.

On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Türkiye had updated its contingency plans for a possible U.S. military campaign against Iran. The report said the plans included the potential deployment of Turkish forces on Iranian territory to prevent a mass influx of refugees.

Türkiye, a NATO member, shares a roughly 535-kilometre border with north-western Iran.

Bloomberg cited unnamed sources “familiar with the matter” in support of its claims.

The following day, Reuters reported - citing an unnamed Turkish diplomatic source - that Ankara was considering potential actions in the event of renewed conflict between Iran and the United States.

• Iran signals readiness to take all necessary steps for a deal with the U.S.
• Iran and U.S. begin third round of indirect nuclear talks in Geneva

“All scenarios are being considered,” the unnamed source was quoted as saying.

“Steps that can be taken to ensure the safety of our citizens are being worked on,” the source added.

The diplomatic source did not elaborate on what “scenarios” were under evaluation but stressed that any measures violating Iran’s sovereignty were “out of the question”.

In its statement, the Turkish Communications Directorate reaffirmed Ankara’s respect for the sovereignty of states in the region, while emphasising the need to safeguard the country’s borders.

“Türkiye, which consistently upholds respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighbouring countries, takes all necessary measures to ensure the security of its borders on a 24/7 basis, whether in times of crisis or otherwise,” the directorate said.

It also urged the public to “refrain from giving credence to unverified claims and instead rely on official statements issued by competent authorities.”

In recent weeks, Ankara has repeatedly expressed its opposition to foreign military intervention in Iran, calling for differences between Tehran and Washington to be resolved through diplomatic means.

Copied