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Türkiye's top diplomat Hakan Fidan on Monday flatly rejected the possibility that Iran's government could be toppled through aerial bombardment, responding with a direct "no" when asked whether airstrikes could bring down the Iranian regime.
The comment came during a live television interview on CNN Turk, where Fidan discussed regional security dynamics amid ongoing nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran. In a notably tense moment during the broadcast, the foreign minister remained silent when asked whether Türkiye should acquire nuclear weapons, declining to answer even when host Ahmet Hakan offered him the option of saying "no comment."
Fidan revealed that nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran, originally proposed to take place in Istanbul, were moved to Oman at Iran's request. He explained that Iranian leadership opted to continue negotiations within an established framework previously used in Oman, which had predetermined rules regarding location, format and participating parties.
Foreign minister said Ankara had proposed a different approach to the nuclear discussions. "Our proposal was different: 'Meet face-to-face with Iranian officials and Americans, don't talk through a mediator in side rooms,'" Fidan said. He added that Türkiye supports the successful conclusion of the Oman talks and emphasized that he spoke with his Iranian counterpart Arakci on Monday.
Fidan warned that any new conflict between the United States and Iran would produce severe consequences for the region. "The region cannot bear a new war that would break out," he said, while noting that there is currently no immediate threat of war. He assessed that there is a possibility the U.S.-Iran tensions could be resolved through negotiation.
Turning to counterterrorism efforts, Fidan said the process toward a "terror-free Türkiye" is progressing successfully, with significant developments in Syria. He indicated that after addressing the YPG presence in Syria, Ankara expects action on PKK terrorists based in Iraq.
"There is also an Iraq leg to this matter. The Iraqi government has to make a decision on this issue. Sinjar cannot remain there," Fidan said, referring to the area in northern Iraq where PKK-affiliated groups maintain a presence. Sinjar has been a flashpoint in regional security, with various armed groups operating in the area since it was recaptured from Islamic State forces in 2015.
The foreign minister emphasized that Türkiye remains committed to peace and diplomacy in addressing regional challenges.
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