A foreign nation has addressed speculation over a potential invasion of Iran amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Türkiye’s Directorate of Communications denied reports that Ankara would enter Iranian territory if the United States launches a military strike, describing the claims as disinformation.
In a statement on Wednesday, February 25, the Directorate said that Turkey has always respected the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighboring countries and maintains border security.
“The claims in some press and media outlets that ‘Türkiye plans to invade Iranian territory for security reasons if the U.S. attacks Iran’ contain disinformation. Our state, which has always respected the territorial integrity and sovereignty of neighboring countries, maintains border security around the clock, regardless of crises.”
“The public should not give credence to unconfirmed claims and should rely on statements from official institutions.”
The statement comes following a report that Türkiye is updating contingency plans in anticipation of a potential U.S.-Iran conflict, including preparations for a surge of refugees from Iran.
Türkiye reportedly prepares for contingencies
Measures reportedly under consideration involve establishing border camps or, in extreme scenarios, controlling crossings to prevent chaos at the border, according to Bloomberg.
Additionally, NATO has reportedly adjusted its air surveillance priorities in Türkiye, shifting some focus from Russia to Iran amid growing concerns over a possible U.S.-led strike on Tehran.
Sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg that NATO’s surveillance operations, primarily conducted through AWACS radar aircraft based in Türkiye, have intensified flights over Iran, particularly from Konya in central Anatolia.
For the third consecutive day, a NATO E-3B Sentry AWACS on February 24 launched from Konya Air Base in Turkey, heading toward Iran to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations.
Also Read: On the Brink? Trump Advisers Warn Iran Deal ‘Difficult’ Amid U.S. Military Preparations
The E-3 Sentry is a flying command center that can track hundreds of aircraft and surface targets simultaneously across a range of over 250 miles.
Anonymous sources cited by Bloomberg said the increased surveillance is linked to a scenario in which the United States conducts a military strike aimed at pressuring Iran over its nuclear program. NATO’s monitoring is intended to track potential escalations and support allied situational awareness.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan last week reiterated his warning that a U.S. military campaign against Iran could destabilize the Middle East.
Speaking to reporters while returning from Ethiopia, Erdoğan said, “A new war targeting Iran will not benefit anyone; on the contrary, our region will lose.” He added that he had conveyed this position to all parties involved.
Türkiye played a role in mediating a new round of nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran after prior talks collapsed in June 2025 following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iranian territory. Other countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, and several Persian Gulf states, also contributed to diplomatic efforts.
“As Türkiye, we have made it clear to all our counterparts that we oppose military intervention against Iran,” Erdoğan said. “We will continue to explain that such military escalation and rising tensions would drag our region into even greater uncertainty.”
Erdoğan also stated that he remains in direct contact with both Iranian and U.S. leadership regarding the ongoing tensions. “I spoke with the Iranian president most recently. The very next day, I also spoke with U.S. President Trump,” he said.
“In all these conversations, we discussed how we might find a way forward. We are a country that builds bridges and prepares the ground for peace, not one that builds walls and fuels conflicts. As long as the door to diplomacy remains open, there is hope. We will preserve and strengthen that hope.”
F-22s deployed to Israel as US warships gather near Iran amid possible strike
Meanwhile, the United States has escalated its military presence in the region. Another guided-missile destroyer, the USS John Finn (DDG-113), has entered the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
This brings the total number of U.S. warships operating in nearby waters to 12, excluding those in carrier strike groups led by the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).
Also Read: New US Warship Gathers Near Iran, F-22s Deployed to Israel Amid Possible Strike
Another carrier strike group centered on the Abraham Lincoln is reportedly in the Arabian Sea, roughly 700 kilometers from Iran and 240 kilometers off Oman’s coast.
U.S. air deployments have also increased with twelve F-22 stealth fighters on February 24, 2025, departing RAF Lakenheath in the United Kingdom for an Israeli air force base in southern Israel, although one returned due to technical issues.
Dozens of other aircraft, including F-35, F-15, and F-16 fighters, as well as refueling tankers and transport aircraft, have also been tracked entering the region over the past three weeks. Open-source flight analysts reported hundreds of military cargo flights supporting these deployments.
Other deployed assets include KC-135 and KC-46 refueling tankers, E-3 Sentry airborne command and surveillance planes, C-17A and C-5M strategic transport aircraft, and P-8A maritime patrol aircraft used for reconnaissance and anti-submarine operations.
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