Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed that the current situation does not suggest the existence of real possibilities of war breaking out between the United States and Iran, stressing a clear desire on both sides to continue the dialogue and negotiating process.
In the context of an interview with CNN Turk, Fidan explained that “the Iranian file occupies a fundamental space in Turkey’s diplomatic agenda,” noting that the region is “already exhausted and cannot tolerate a new conflict,” which prompts Turkey to exploit “all available means to prevent any military escalation.”
The Turkish Foreign Minister stated that his country pays great attention to diplomatic developments between Washington and Tehran, and revealed that a meeting took place in the Sultanate of Oman between representatives of both sides, which was followed by Turkish officials being informed of the details of the discussions by the foreign ministers of the two countries.
Fidan stressed that “the essential message that emerged from these contacts is the frank expression by both parties of their desire to continue the dialogue,” considering that “despite the need for more flexible and creative approaches in the negotiating process, there are currently no indications of readiness to resort to the military option.”
Fidan’s statement comes at a time of escalation in political and media tension between the United States and Iran in recent weeks, especially after US President Donald Trump announced on January 28 that US naval vessels would be sent to the region, expressing at the same time his hope that Tehran will return to the negotiating table to reach a new agreement on the nuclear file.
In this regard, a round of indirect negotiations was held in the Omani capital, Muscat, last Friday, and Trump described it as “positive,” stressing that it will be completed this week.
On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed his country’s adherence to its right to enrich uranium, even if this led to the outbreak of a military confrontation, in a position that reflects the continued deep discrepancy between the two sides despite the existing diplomatic openness.
