Fidan: Türkiye opposes any plan to provoke civil war in Iran

2026-03-12 - 23:52

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced Thursday that Ankara remains "completely opposed to any plan that aims to provoke civil war in Iran and fuel conflicts along ethnic or religious fault lines," as the US-Israeli war with Tehran enters its 14th day. Fidan made the remarks during a joint press conference following his meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in the capital Ankara. Intensive diplomatic efforts Emphasizing that the ongoing war in the Middle East must end as soon as possible, Fidan said that Türkiye is making "intensive efforts" to bring the war to an end. He noted that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has held talks with many world leaders and continues to do so, adding that he himself is also engaged in intense diplomatic efforts. Fidan said Türkiye is prepared for "any scenario" regarding the course of the war and its aftermath, and that Ankara is working "day and night to ensure the safety of Turkish citizens in the region." Conflict context Fidan's remarks came as US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, launched Feb. 28, have killed about 1,300 people, according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 150 schoolgirls in a Minab school attack. More than 10,000 people were also injured in the Israeli and US attacks. Tehran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and several Gulf countries hosting US military assets, with approximately 3,200 projectiles launched and widespread destruction reported in Israeli cities. Regional stability concerns Fidan's explicit opposition to any plan provoking civil war in Iran reflects Ankara's concern about the conflict expanding beyond its current scope and destabilizing the entire region. Türkiye has maintained communication channels with all parties while advocating for de-escalation and a return to dialogue, positioning itself as a potential mediator.