15.03.2026 00:12
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that there is no serious initiative for negotiations between Iran and the United States, but he believes that Iran is open to informal talks. Fidan also mentioned Tehran's attacks on Gulf countries, stating that they are trying to convince the Iranians to stop these attacks.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan gave an interview to the U.S.-based Associated Press (AP) agency regarding current issues.
"WE ARE TRYING TO PERSUADE IRAN TO STOP ITS ATTACKS ON GULF COUNTRIES"
Regarding the attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, Fidan noted that the conditions are not very conducive to diplomacy at the moment. He pointed out that Iranians feel "betrayed" because they were attacked while engaging in nuclear talks with the U.S., stating, "(Iranians) I think they are open to any meaningful informal diplomacy." Concerning Iran's attacks on other Gulf countries, Fidan conveyed that they are trying to persuade the Iranians to stop these attacks.
"WE WANT TO STAY OUT OF THIS WAR"
Fidan also addressed the issue of ballistic munitions fired from Iran entering Turkish airspace, stating that Iranian officials insist they have not fired missiles at Turkey, saying, "I am aware that we are being provoked and will be provoked. However, our aim is this, we want to stay out of this war."
"WHAT WE KNOW IS THAT MUJTAHID HAMANEY IS ALIVE AND IN CHARGE"
Fidan stated that he does not have much insight into the wounds of Iran's new leader Mujtahid Hamaney, adding, "What we know is that he is alive and in charge." He expressed that the process of electing a new leader in Iran and the health status of the new leader has created a vacuum in the governance structure, stating, "I believe this vacuum has been filled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards."
"AS LONG AS NETANYAHU IS THERE, HE WILL ALWAYS SHOW SOMEONE AS AN ENEMY"
Dismissing claims that Turkey could also become a target following Israel's attacks on Iran, Fidan emphasized that the attacks on Iran have encouraged Turkey to increase its own weapons and air defense system production. Fidan stated, "(Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu will always show someone as an enemy as long as he is there. Because they need this to advance their own agendas. If Turkey were not there, they would be talking about another country in the region." Fidan criticized Israel's role in the region, including Syria, saying, "Their aim is not security, but to gain more territory. As long as they do not abandon this mindset, there will always be war in the Middle East."
TURKEY'S PRIORITY IS A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE COMPOSED OF PALESTINIANS
Fidan also commented on Turkey's participation in the Gaza Peace Council, stating that this is an opportunity to stop the war, adding, "However, we are not under the illusion that the Peace Council will address all current issues." He pointed out that Turkey has not yet received an invitation to join a force to be established in the region, sharing the view that "I think the Americans are trying to quietly reach an agreement with the Israeli side to allow Turkey's participation."
Furthermore, emphasizing that Turkey's priority is to establish a management committee composed of 15 politically independent Palestinian leaders for Gaza, he stated, "We expect them to go to Gaza and start working. It has not started yet, so we need to start from somewhere."