Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has warned against any attempts to drag Syria into further instability, asserting that Ankara will respond firmly to such efforts. His remarks came during a press briefing aboard his return flight from Italy on Wednesday.

Erdoğan dismissed the idea of a federal system in Syria, calling it a "distant dream" with no place in the country's reality. "I advise making decisions that serve regional stability, not those based on dreams of a federal government in Syria," he said.

He emphasized that Turkey would not tolerate any imposed changes in the region, stating, "We will not allow the imposition of a fait accompli or any initiative threatening lasting stability in Syria and the region."

The Turkish leader highlighted Syria’s stance, noting that Damascus rejects any authority outside its government or any armed group beyond the Syrian army. "We share a similar approach regarding border security," he added.

Erdoğan stressed that Syria’s territorial integrity is indispensable, saying, "A unified Syria is non-negotiable for us, and we know the Syrian government operates on the same principle."

He urged all factions in Syria to work toward national unity, stating, "The best path is for all components to strive for a single Syria and direct their efforts accordingly."

Additionally, he underscored the importance of armed groups integrating under Syria’s Defense Ministry to preserve the country’s sovereignty.

The Turkish president revealed close coordination between Syrian and Turkish officials regarding Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory. He condemned Israel’s actions, calling them "unacceptable provocations" aimed at undermining regional stability.

"Israel seeks to spread conflict, bloodshed, and tears across the region," Erdoğan said. "The violence that began in Gaza is now expanding into Lebanon and Syria."

He warned that Israeli strikes threaten the positive political developments in Syria, vowing, "We will respond in various ways to any attempt to push Syria into a new quagmire of instability."

Erdoğan expressed optimism about strengthening ties with the U.S. under a potential second Trump administration, saying, "We believe relations will gain momentum, especially as President Trump considers Turkey’s concerns."

He also called on the PKK (Kurdistan Workers’ Party) to lay down arms, urging the group to heed its imprisoned leader Abdullah Öcalan’s calls for disarmament.

Erdoğan’s remarks reinforce Turkey’s stance on preserving Syria’s unity while opposing external interventions. As regional tensions escalate, Ankara positions itself as a key player in shaping Syria’s future stability.