Fidan warns of Israeli sabotage risk, urges support for US-Iran ceasefire

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday called on the international community to be ready to respond "appropriately to Israel's potential acts of sabotage" amid the recently declared US-Iran ceasefire. "We also hope for the establishment of a new security and peace architecture in the region, including the normalization of relations between Iran and the Gulf countries on a stronger foundation. As Türkiye, I would like to reiterate that we are ready to play an active role in this process and provide all necessary support," Fidan said during a joint news conference with his Syrian counterpart, Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.

Ceasefire implementation

Noting that the two-week temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran may not be sufficient, Fidan said it could be extended if both sides agree. "Our hope and effort will also be in that direction: that these negotiations begin in good faith and reach a successful outcome. The world needs this, and the region needs this." Speaking about the upcoming US-Iran talks, Fidan said they are expected to begin on April 11 and would cover difficult issues such as the nuclear file, uranium enrichment, the Strait of Hormuz, and regional security.

Israeli attacks

Fidan warned that Tel Aviv is "now extending" its genocide in Gaza to Lebanon, stressing that "even before the ink on the ceasefire has dried," Israel's attacks in Lebanon continue without distinction between children and civilians. He warned that Israel's large-scale airstrike on Lebanon immediately after the ceasefire announcement was a serious provocation that could make negotiations even more difficult.

Syria cooperation

Fidan said Syria should be shielded from the negative effects of the broader regional crisis, and that Türkiye will continue to support Syria's stabilization, reconstruction, and internal integration process. Syrian Foreign Minister al-Shaibani said the Four Seas Project could turn Syria and Türkiye into a major energy corridor connecting the Gulf, Caspian Sea, Mediterranean, and Black Sea.

Gaza humanitarian crisis

On Gaza, Fidan urged the world not to allow attention to shift away from the humanitarian crisis, noting major problems in implementing the first phase of the Gaza peace plan. He said Hamas had largely fulfilled its obligations, but Israel had not fully kept its promises.