Fidan Reaffirms Turkey's Support for Iran-US Dialogues, Warns of Israeli Sabotage
Tehran - BORNA - "I am confident that the Americans and the Iranians are sincere. They want a ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, but I am not sure about Israel's intentions," Fidan said.
The Turkish Foreign Minister warned that Israeli attacks against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon present a "significant risk" that could potentially undermine the diplomatic talks, Anadolu Agency reported.
Fidan noted that he recently discussed the expansion of Israeli military operations in Lebanon during a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
He further claimed that Tehran believes it has reached an understanding with Washington regarding a ceasefire across all fronts, which is why it continues to participate in the dialogues. He added that Tehran views Israel’s recent interventions, occupations, and military operations as a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement, warning that such developments could make the continuation of negotiations "very difficult."
When asked about the potential resumption of the war involving Iran, the top Turkish diplomat expressed hope that such a scenario would not materialize, pointing to the global economic consequences witnessed during previous escalations—particularly in the energy, security, and inflation sectors.
He stressed that mediators are exerting every effort to help the parties reach a genuine compromise and a lasting agreement, warning that any renewed conflict could lead to further human casualties, infrastructure destruction, and the risk of the war spilling over into other parts of the region.
Economic Pressure and Energy Concerns
Fidan stated that regional crises continue to strain Turkey’s economy and trade, reminding that the country’s economy relies on exports, tourism, and industry rather than oil wealth.
He noted that the war involving Iran—following the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war—has imposed additional burdens on Turkey, specifically through rising energy prices. Fidan explained that although Turkey secures its energy through pipelines from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, and faces no immediate supply shortage, fluctuating oil and natural gas prices continue to exacerbate inflationary pressures. He emphasized that diplomats are working tirelessly to halt wars and foster an environment conducive to peace, stability, development, and trade.
Trump's Participation in the Ankara NATO Summit
Responding to a query from Bloomberg during his visit to Singapore regarding whether US President Donald Trump will attend the upcoming NATO summit in the Turkish capital, Fidan stated: "As far as we know, yes, he intends to participate."
Fidan revealed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held several telephone conversations with Trump last month, during which the US President repeatedly confirmed his attendance.
Emphasizing that the US remains committed to the alliance despite past political rhetoric, Fidan said there are no indications that Washington intends to follow through on warnings of withdrawing from NATO.
The Turkish Foreign Minister also stated that during last month's informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Sweden, he received no indication from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Washington was considering an exit from the alliance. He noted that both the US State Department and the Pentagon continue to cooperate closely with NATO member states.
"The United States consistently pressures allies to increase defense spending and take more responsibility for their own security. Europeans have received this message and have already taken steps to increase defense budgets within the NATO framework. When the leaders gather, we will review the progress made," Fidan concluded.
End Article