15.03.2026 10:10
While the war continues, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who made statements regarding the missiles shot down in Turkey, said, "Iranian officials insisted that they did not launch missiles at Turkey, but the current data shows that the missiles came from Iran."
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in an interview with the Associated Press (AP), made assessments regarding the tensions in the Middle East, Iran-U.S. relations, and Turkey's diplomatic approach in the region.
Fidan stated that the ground for diplomacy has weakened following the attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iran, and he said that the current conditions are not conducive to negotiations. He expressed that Iranian officials feel "betrayed" because they were attacked while conducting nuclear negotiations with the U.S., but he also mentioned that he thinks Iran might be open to unofficial diplomatic channels.
WHERE WERE THE MISSILES FIRED FROM?
Fidan noted that Ankara has made diplomatic efforts regarding Iran's attacks on some Gulf countries. He stated that Turkey is in contact with Iranian officials and that efforts to persuade them to stop these attacks are ongoing. Addressing the issue of ballistic munitions entering Turkish airspace, Fidan said that Iranian officials claim no missiles have been fired at Turkey, but the available data indicates that the missiles came from Iran. Fidan said, "I am aware that we are being provoked and will be provoked. However, our aim is to stay out of this war."
EMPHASIS ON THE POWER VACUUM IN IRAN
Fidan pointed out that there is not much information regarding the health status of Iran's new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, stating that the only thing they know is that Khamenei is alive and continues to perform his duties. He also expressed that due to developments related to the leadership process and health status in Iran, a power vacuum has emerged, which they believe has largely been filled by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards.
CRITICISM OF NETANYAHU
Fidan also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, arguing that as long as Netanyahu is in office, Israel will always portray an enemy. Fidan said, "As long as Netanyahu is there, Israel will always show someone as an enemy. If it's not Turkey, they will target another country."
Criticizing Israel's policies in the region, particularly regarding Syria, Fidan claimed that the Tel Aviv administration aims more for territorial gain than security. According to Fidan, as long as this approach does not change, achieving lasting peace in the Middle East seems difficult.
PROPOSAL FOR A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR GAZA
Fidan also made assessments regarding the planned peace mechanism to be established in Gaza. He stated that Turkey's priority is to establish a management committee consisting of 15 politically independent Palestinian leaders for Gaza, and that this structure should take over the administration in the region and start working. Fidan noted that Turkey has not yet received an official invitation regarding participation in a possible peacekeeping force in the region, and he added that he thinks the U.S. is trying to conduct behind-the-scenes discussions with Israel regarding Turkey's participation.