Türkiye's Fidan discusses Iran crisis with Iranian foreign minister

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in a direct diplomatic dialogue with Iran on Tuesday, speaking by phone with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. According to sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry, the primary focus of the conversation was the latest developments within Iran, which has been rocked by widespread protests and a severe state crackdown for several weeks.

High-Level Contact Amid Deepening Crisis

The call between the two top diplomats represents a significant point of high-level contact as the situation in Iran continues to deteriorate. The protests, which began in late December 2025 over economic grievances, have evolved into the most serious challenge to the Iranian government in years, marked by a near-total internet blackout, hundreds of reported casualties, and thousands of arrests. For Türkiye, a neighboring country with a long and complex relationship with Tehran, stability on its eastern border is a paramount concern.

Türkiye's Delicate Diplomatic Balancing Act

As a regional power that maintains channels with both Western nations and Iran, Türkiye under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan often positions itself as a potential mediator. Minister Fidan's call likely aimed to assess the situation firsthand, convey concerns about regional spillover, and emphasize the importance of restraint and dialogue. This outreach aligns with Türkiye's foreign policy doctrine of seeking stability through diplomacy while safeguarding its own national security interests against potential refugee flows or cross-border tensions.

A Broader Regional Context

The discussion occurs within a fraught regional environment. Beyond Iran's internal turmoil, both nations are navigating other crises, including the war in Gaza, violence in Syria, and shifting geopolitical alliances. For Iran, facing increasing international isolation and threats of further sanctions, maintaining functional relations with a powerful neighbor like Türkiye is strategically important. The call underscores that despite their occasional differences, particularly on Syria, the two countries maintain essential diplomatic lines of communication during periods of acute crisis.