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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held his first phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday, since the outbreak of widespread protests across Iran, reiterating Ankara’s support for the country’s stability.
According to a statement from the Turkish Presidency’s Communications Directorate, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations and regional developments during the call.
President Erdogan stated that Türkiye closely monitors the situation in Iran and views its peace and stability as a priority, the statement noted.
"Türkiye has never had a favorable stance toward any scenario involving external intervention in Iran," Erdogan told his counterpart.
He added that resolving domestic issues through dialogue and preventing further escalation would also serve Türkiye’s interests.
Unrest in Iran began on December 28, 2025, when a sharp devaluation of the Iranian rial against foreign currencies, combined with deepening economic hardship, triggered protests led by merchants in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. The demonstrations rapidly spread across the country.
By January 8, 2026, protests intensified in the capital, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security forces. In response, Iranian authorities restricted internet access nationwide.
Iranian authorities alleged that the United States and Israel backed groups responsible for attacks on public infrastructure and private businesses, including banks, shops, and mosques.
The Shahid and Veterans Foundation of Iran confirmed in an official statement that 3,117 people lost their lives during the latest wave of protests.
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