Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, April 5 - The Turkish presidential office issued a statement on the 4th, denying the delivery of weapons to Iran, calling the related rumors on social media "slanderous propaganda."
The Turkish presidential office's Center for Combating Misinformation stated in the announcement that recently some social media accounts and misinformation websites have fabricated rumors claiming that Turkey is providing Iran with modern missile defense systems and drones, and that Iran's recent downing of a U.S. F-15 fighter jet was achieved using a Turkish-made man-portable air defense missile. These false claims are described as "psychological warfare" and "slanderous propaganda," aimed at "undermining Turkey's constructive role in regional crises."
On November 17, 2013, at Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai, UAE, a U.S. soldier stands guard next to an F-15 fighter jet on display. Photo by Xinhua reporter Cui Xinyu
The statement indicated that the source of these rumors is "very obvious."
Turkey and Israel have historically had strained relations over regional issues such as the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the statement implicitly pointed fingers at Israel.
A U.S. F-15E "Strike Eagle" dual-seat fighter jet was shot down over Iran on the 3rd, with two pilots ejecting and parachuting to safety. This marks the first time a U.S. military aircraft has been shot down within Iranian territory since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28.
The Turkish Ministry of Defense previously stated that since March, multiple ballistic missiles entering Turkish airspace from Iran have been intercepted by NATO defense systems. (Wang Hongbin)
Turkey's government denied allegations of supplying weapons to Iran, calling the claims disinformation aimed at damaging its regional role. The statement highlighted that recent rumors about Turkey providing missile systems and drones are unfounded and part of a psychological operation. The Turkish Defense Ministry noted interceptions of missiles entering Turkish airspace from Iran since March 2023.
- Turkey denies supplying modern missile systems and drones to Iran.
- Allegations are labeled as disinformation and psychological warfare.
- The Turkish government suggests the rumors aim to undermine its role in regional crises.
- The source of the rumors is implied to be linked to Israel.
- A U.S. F-15 was shot down over Iran, with claims of Turkish equipment involvement.