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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan advised the United States against any military intervention in Iran during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, arguing that existing sanctions have already inflicted substantial damage on the Iranian economy.
Speaking on the "On the Record" program with journalist Hadley Gamble, Fidan addressed speculation about potential US military action against Tehran. "I would advise my American friends not to do this. Because they are already putting a lot of pressure on Iran. The sanctions are causing great damage to the Iranian economy," he said, adding that recent protests in Iran are linked to these economic pressures.
The foreign minister warned that if Iran feels "cornered," it will prepare for the worst-case scenario, though he expressed belief that negotiations remain possible if there is genuine intent to resolve issues.
Fidan expressed confidence in US President Donald Trump's ability to halt violence in Gaza, describing him as "the only person who can truly exert pressure" on Israel. He noted that Israel has repeatedly violated the ceasefire agreement.
"If he wants to, he has the capacity to put pressure on Israel and stop Israel's wrong actions," Fidan said. He suggested Trump's perceived independence from "the targets of different lobbies" enables him to think and act autonomously on Middle East policy.
The minister highlighted investment shortfalls in Gaza reconstruction efforts, noting that while external funding is needed, most material support currently comes from governments rather than private sources.
Regarding potential Turkish troop deployment to Gaza, Fidan recalled President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's statement that Türkiye is prepared to do everything within its capacity to contribute to a Gaza peace plan.
Türkiye serves on the Peace Council and works on the executive committee for Gaza while conducting substantial humanitarian aid operations, Fidan noted. He said Ankara is ready to participate in an international stabilization force in Gaza, though such involvement depends on broader international discussions and consensus among specific countries.
Fidan described recent developments in Syria and the Gaza ceasefire as positive signals, noting that events in Syria marked the first time regional countries, the US, and the international community assembled so quickly on a Middle East issue and began taking concrete steps.
Following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad's Baath Party regime on December 8, 2024, regional countries convened first in Amman, then Cairo, before European nations and the US joined discussions. The group established four or five priorities for Syria's new government, including refraining from threatening neighboring countries, avoiding cooperation with terrorist organizations, protecting minorities and ethnic and religious groups, and preserving territorial integrity.
"We conveyed these to Ahmed al-Sharaa," Fidan said, referring to Syria's new president. "And I think everyone has been quite satisfied with what he has done since then."
The minister emphasized that the region will never return to its previous state, with Türkiye hoping to move it toward a better position compared to the past. He stressed the vital importance of regional countries taking ownership of regional problems, aligning with what he characterized as Trump's general policy approach of not wanting to be "the world order's police."
Addressing Iran's situation, Fidan noted that as a neighboring country with a large territory, developments in Iran directly concern Türkiye and affect a wide geography. "For this reason, stability in Iran is important for all of us," he said.
He advised both Iran and the international community to resolve their problems through dialogue rather than force, calling dialogue "the only way to solve problems." Fidan stated he does not believe events in or around Iran will lead to regime change there, nor is Türkiye discussing such an outcome.
The minister suggested Iran needs to make changes in its foreign and certain security policies to access specific opportunities, though he acknowledged Tehran's difficulties in providing resources to its population due to problems with the international system.
Fidan reported discussing the Russia-Ukraine war with Trump's Middle East Special Representative Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, noting that parties now appear closer to reaching an agreement.
On tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Fidan said Türkiye finds it unpleasant to see "these two valuable friends" distancing from each other, though he expressed confidence they will reconcile as "brothers" and "old friends" with experienced leadership.
He suggested the UAE has adopted a more constructive approach following Saudi requests, preventing escalation between the two countries. Fidan indicated Saudi Arabia has become more assertive about national security sensitivities while the UAE has grown more understanding.
"That's why I think that if these methodologies are used together, some results can be achieved. We need more dialogue and communication," he said.
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