Fidan holds intensive diplomatic talks with 15 counterparts amid Iran crisis

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has conducted an intensive diplomatic marathon over the past three days, holding telephone conversations with 15 counterparts and the EU foreign policy chief following the escalation of conflict between US-Israeli forces and Iran, diplomatic sources confirmed. The extensive outreach reflects Ankara's determination to play an active role in de-escalating the widening regional crisis.

Day one: Regional and European outreach

Following the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, Fidan immediately initiated contact with the foreign ministers of Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Syria, Egypt and Indonesia to discuss developments and possible steps to halt the attacks. On the same day, he held separate phone conversations with counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Spain and Hungary to address the regional attacks. In a call with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Fidan assessed the escalation and discussed ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at halting the conflict.

Day two: Gulf and strategic partners

On Sunday, Fidan exchanged views with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the latest situation in Iran, maintaining direct communication with Tehran amid the crisis. He also spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi within the framework of efforts to resolve the regional crisis, recognizing Oman's historical role as a mediator in Gulf tensions.

Day three: Expanding consultations

Monday saw Fidan continue his diplomatic engagement with a phone call to Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov to discuss efforts to end conflict in the region. He also spoke with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky, reviewing the mutual impacts of the regional conflicts on neighboring countries. Later, in a conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, Fidan discussed developments in detail, including concrete steps to reduce tensions and end the attacks. The minister also held a phone call with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, covering political, security and humanitarian aspects of recent developments, with a focus on strengthening diplomatic efforts with relevant actors.

Türkiye's active diplomacy

The comprehensive diplomatic outreach underscores Türkiye's position as a key regional actor capable of engaging with all parties to the conflict. As the crisis expands across multiple fronts, with US-Israeli strikes continuing and Iranian retaliation reaching Gulf countries, Ankara continues to advocate for de-escalation and dialogue. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has separately spoken with US, European and Gulf leaders, reinforcing Türkiye's message that diplomacy must be given a chance to prevent further bloodshed and regional destabilization.