File photo.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered a stern warning to those he said want to “usurp” Turkey’s rights or “encircle” the country, in remarks interpreted by analysts as directed at Israel and Greece.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Erdogan said Turkey’s calm posture should not create illusions, vowing the country would not allow a “surgical operation” on territory won through sacrifice, nor stand idle amid hostile moves aimed at encirclement.
He added Turkey opposes no nation, faith or culture, and harbors no hostility toward anyone, but will resist injustice and intimidation.
Separately, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz announced defense spending would rise 229% under the 2027-2029 Medium-Term Economic Program, calling security a foundation of economic growth.
