Turkey has reinforced security measures along its eastern border with Iran in response to the ongoing war between Israel and the Islamic Republic, a source from the Turkish Defense Ministry told Reuters on Thursday.
The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Ankara has not detected any irregular migration movement from Iran so far, despite concerns over possible civilian displacement triggered by the conflict.
Israel’s military campaign against Iranian nuclear and military sites entered its seventh day on Thursday, marking the most direct confrontation in the two countries’ history. The airstrikes have prompted widespread regional alarm, with neighboring states monitoring for fallout and escalation.
The Defense Ministry source also said Turkey’s armed forces were maintaining a high level of operational readiness and continuing efforts to develop a “layered and integrated air and missile defense system.” The system uses domestically produced radar and weapons platforms, part of Ankara’s broader push for defense self-sufficiency.
The official added that Turkey’s Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) aircraft were scrambled following the launch of Israeli airstrikes on Iran and have since been conducting patrols along Turkey’s borders, amid the risk of airspace violations.
Turkey has publicly condemned Israel’s actions, calling them illegal and a threat to regional stability. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said Iran has a “legitimate” right to self-defense and warned that the war could spill into neighboring countries.