Türkiye’s Fidan urges US against war, for diplomacy with Iran

Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has issued a firm public warning against any potential US military action against Iran, advocating strongly for a diplomatic resolution to the crisis. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Fidan stressed that despite heightened rhetoric and US military deployments in the Middle East, dialogue remains the only viable path forward for regional stability.

A Call for Step-by-Step Diplomacy, Starting with Nuclear Talks

Rejecting the logic of escalation, Minister Fidan explicitly stated, "It’s wrong to start the war again." He noted that "Iran is ready to negotiate a nuclear file again," presenting a clear opening for diplomacy. Fidan offered specific advice to US policymakers, suggesting they abandon efforts to solve all contentious issues at once. "My advice always to the American friends, close the files one by one with Iran. Start with nuclear, close it, then the others," he said. He argued that presenting all demands as a single package is politically "very difficult" for Iran to process and could be perceived as "humiliating," making it impossible for Tehran's leadership to accept.

The Imperative for Iran to Build Regional Trust

Fidan’s message was not directed solely at Washington. He also addressed Tehran, stating that Iran could occupy a "perfect place" in the regional order but must actively work to build confidence with neighboring nations. "They need to create trust in the region," Fidan said, adding that Iranian leaders should be mindful of "how they are perceived by the regional countries." He framed this as a pragmatic necessity of geopolitics: "They are not going anywhere; we are not going anywhere." The minister emphasized that despite differing ideologies and religious sects, all nations in the Middle East must find a way to cooperate within the established nation-state system.

Türkiye's Role as a Stabilizing Mediator

The intervention by Türkiye’s top diplomat underscores Ankara's consistent positioning as a critical mediator and stabilizer in the Middle East. With deep historical ties, geographic proximity, and complex relationships with both the US and Iran, Türkiye has a vested interest in preventing another catastrophic war on its doorstep. Fidan’s public counsel represents a form of preventive diplomacy, aimed at de-escalating tensions before military options gain more traction in Washington. His call for a methodical, graduated approach to negotiations reflects an understanding of the domestic political constraints in both the United States and the Islamic Republic, offering a potential roadmap away from the brink of conflict.