Turkey's Foreign Ministry issued a strong rebuke on Saturday, rejecting an Israeli Foreign Ministry statement that targeted President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling it 'lies and slanders' reflecting the 'cowardly and rotten mentality' of Israeli leaders, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ministry accused Netanyahu and his 'criminal network' of committing genocide in Gaza and bringing 'historic shame' upon Israel, while asserting that their immunities are eroding legally and politically. Turkey's Head of Communications, Burhanettin Duran, added on X that Israel resorts to slander and propaganda, hiding behind 'antisemitism' to conceal its crimes. Turkey vowed to continue defending the Palestinian cause and supporting Gaza, underscoring escalating diplomatic tensions between Ankara and Jerusalem.

Turkey summoned Ukraine's ambassador to Ankara on 29 August 2026 following attacks on two Turkish-operated vessels in the Black Sea. The vessel 'Lider Bordo Mavi' was struck off the Russian port of Tuapse on 26 August, and 'Lider Kocatepe', sent to tow it, was also targeted. Turkey expressed its concern and emphasized the importance of maritime safety, including the safety of life, property, navigation and the environment in the region, reflecting heightened tensions affecting commercial shipping.

Turkish missile manufacturer Roketsan conducted its first publicly announced ground-launch tests of the ÇAKIR cruise missile, firing two missiles from a mobile land-based launcher against separate land and maritime targets on 27 August 2026. The tests expand the missile's demonstrated launch options beyond its earlier air-launch trial in May 2023, suggesting potential coastal-defense applications for naval users. The company did not disclose test locations, ranges, or whether the launches were part of a formal qualification campaign or customer demonstration. The ÇAKIR programme has known export customers including Qatar and Indonesia, with Indonesia pursuing local production via a joint venture.

On August 29, 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducted separate phone calls with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The discussions focused on regional and bilateral issues, though specific topics were not disclosed. This engagement reflects ongoing Turkish diplomatic coordination with key regional partners amid evolving Middle East dynamics.