Turkey has issued a strong diplomatic warning to the United States and Israel, calling for restraint and rejecting any military intervention in Iran as tensions rise amid widespread protests across the country.
The message came after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened possible military action against Iran while voicing support for protesters demonstrating against the Iranian government. Ankara warned that such actions could further destabilize the Middle East and have serious regional consequences.
Speaking to both domestic and international media, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stressed that dialogue—not force—must be the path forward.
“We want problems to be resolved through dialogue,” Fidan said. “We hope that Iran and the United States will resolve this issue between themselves. We strongly oppose any military intervention against Iran.”
Turkey Emphasizes Regional Responsibility
Fidan underlined that developments in Iran are not isolated and directly affect Turkey due to geographic proximity, economic ties, and regional security considerations.
“What is happening in Iran concerns us as well,” he said. “As Turkey, we will continue our diplomatic efforts.”
He added that it is in Turkey’s national interest for Iran to address its internal challenges peacefully and to avoid scenarios that could spill over into neighboring countries and the wider region.
Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) echoed this stance. Party spokesperson Ömer Çelik warned on 12 January that any form of external intervention would have severe repercussions.
“Any kind of foreign interference would have very negative consequences for our region,” Çelik said.
While acknowledging social and governmental challenges inside Iran, Çelik emphasized that such issues should be resolved through Iran’s own internal mechanisms and political processes, rather than through foreign pressure or force.
Diplomatic Engagement With Tehran
Turkey has also intensified direct diplomatic contacts with Iran since the unrest began. According to sources within Turkey’s Foreign Ministry, Hakan Fidan held his first phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on 13 January, marking the highest-level contact since nationwide protests erupted.
The two ministers spoke again on the morning of 14 January, discussing the latest developments and possible diplomatic paths forward.
Protests and Rising International Tensions
Protests began in Iran on 28 December, initially driven by economic hardship but quickly evolving into broader demonstrations against the government. The unrest has since spread to multiple cities across the country.
Reports indicate that thousands of people have been arrested, with significant loss of life and property damage recorded.
President Trump has stated that the United States stands with Iranian protesters and has warned of military action should the situation escalate. Iranian authorities, however, have vowed to retaliate against any foreign intervention.
Allegations of External Involvement
In an interview earlier this month, Fidan suggested that while the protests stem from genuine economic and structural problems, external actors are exploiting the situation.
“Although these protests are rooted in real grievances, it is also true that opposition groups outside Iran are encouraging and directing actions against the government,” he said.
Fidan accused Israel of viewing the unrest as an opportunity, claiming that Israeli intelligence services are actively encouraging protests through social media platforms.
“The Mossad does not hide this,” he said. “They use their online accounts, including on social media, to call on the Iranian people to rise up against the system.”
Israel, the U.S., and the Risk of Escalation
When asked about the possibility of an Israeli military strike against Iran, Fidan said such intentions were widely known.
“Everyone knows that Israel—particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—wants this. It is no secret,” he said.
However, Fidan noted that Israel would be unlikely to act without firm backing from the United States, citing fears of international sanctions and broader regional fallout.
“Without guarantees from its allies, especially the United States, Israel is cautious about entering a conflict that could lead to serious consequences,” he added.
Israel’s foreign intelligence agency has recently shared messages on social media encouraging Iranians to take to the streets, while Prime Minister Netanyahu has publicly expressed support for Iranian protesters.
A Call for Calm and Dialogue
Turkey’s position reflects growing concern across the region that military escalation could ignite a wider conflict in an already volatile Middle East. Ankara continues to push for diplomacy, warning that war would only deepen instability and suffering.
As tensions remain high, Turkey’s message to Washington and Tel Aviv is clear: lasting solutions can only be achieved through dialogue, not force.
Comments
Post a Comment