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Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with representatives of national and international media to discuss developments related to Iran, Syria and the United States, stressing Türkiye’s commitment to regional stability and security.
Fidan said Türkiye has long prioritized stability and security in its region, noting that many challenges have evolved over time.
He pointed to Iran’s years under sanctions and ongoing political challenges as key factors shaping regional dynamics.
As a neighboring country, Fidan said Türkiye openly shares its views with Iran and closely monitors developments there, emphasizing that any developments in Iran directly affect Türkiye.
He said resolving Iran’s internal issues and avoiding scenarios that could spread instability across the region align with Türkiye’s interests.
Fidan said Türkiye’s priority is to avoid any situation that could lead to the use of force.
He recalled that Iran faced attacks by Israel and later the United States during what he described as 12 days of conflict, adding that Türkiye does not approve of a repeat of such developments.
He said diplomatic efforts would continue and expressed hope that the U.S. and Iran would resolve their issues either through mediators or direct talks, adding that Türkiye would closely follow the process.
Fidan said the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan was launched following an announcement by the U.S. special envoy, adding that Türkiye had held a meeting with four participating countries to assess the process.
He added that the continuation of the process, even if slowly, was welcomed by Türkiye.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan remains deeply sensitive to humanitarian assistance, stressing that the lack of shelter, medicine, and food for Palestinians in Gaza weighs heavily on public conscience.
He accused Israel of pursuing a systematic and deliberate policy of restricting humanitarian aid.
Fidan added that the primary priority in the second phase is for the previously agreed Palestinian technical committee to assume administrative control of Gaza, followed by the establishment of a peace council and a governing body.
He said Türkiye expects these steps to be fully implemented within the coming weeks, adding that while implementation challenges are likely, Türkiye will continue working closely with partners to ensure the process proceeds smoothly.
Fidan said risks remain and that Israel’s intentions are clear, noting that while killings through airstrikes and sniper fire may have decreased, insufficient humanitarian aid continues to enter Gaza, leading to ongoing deaths from hunger, cold and lack of medical care.
Fidan said Türkiye’s stance toward Israel is rooted in long-standing experience, adding that relations and trade were suspended due to Israel’s actions following Oct. 7.
He said normalization would only be possible once pressure and violence against Palestinians end and conditions return to normal.
Fidan said the situation is not unique to Türkiye, noting that many countries share similar concerns, whether expressed openly or through quieter diplomatic approaches, adding that the broader international community reflects similar values and sensitivities.
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