Foreign minister condemns attacks on Iran civilians, vows Türkiye stands with Qatar

2026-03-20 - 09:49

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has delivered a strong condemnation of attacks targeting civilian populations and infrastructure in Iran, while reaffirming Ankara's unwavering solidarity with Qatar, which has come under fire during the escalating regional conflict. Speaking at a joint press conference with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Thursday, Fidan emphasized that such attacks can never be justified under any circumstances. "Qatar was subjected to an attack while carrying out full mediation efforts," Fidan said, conveying the Turkish people's and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's wishes for a speedy recovery. "Türkiye stands by brotherly Qatar and will continue to do so." He stressed that the ongoing war threatens the security of all regional countries and deeply undermines stability across the Middle East. Riyadh Meeting and Iran's 'Historic Responsibility' Fidan revealed that he traveled to Riyadh on Wednesday at Saudi Arabia's invitation for a meeting of 12 countries directly or indirectly affected by the conflict. The gathering focused on a single agenda: how to halt Iran's attacks on regional nations and what measures should be taken. Participants agreed on the urgency of joint efforts to establish a ceasefire, prevent the conflict from spreading, and pursue diplomatic solutions. The Turkish minister emphasized that the party responsible for plunging the region into crisis is Israel, adding that Iranian provocations during a period of diplomatic negotiations have expanded the conflict's scope. However, he also delivered a pointed message to Tehran, reminding Iran of its "historic responsibility" and stressing that its attacks on regional countries are equally unjustifiable. "Under no circumstances can Iran's attacks on regional countries be justified," Fidan said. "Just as attacks against Iran are wrong, Iran's attacks on regional countries without justification are equally wrong. One wrong should not lead to another." He noted that Türkiye has conveyed this message clearly to Iranian counterparts at every level, warning that further escalation could cause irreparable and lasting fractures among regional nations. Gaza, Lebanon, and Israel's 'Opportunistic Policies' Fidan warned that the international community must not allow the current war to distract from the ongoing tragedy in Gaza. He noted that nearly 700 Palestinians have been killed since a ceasefire was reached, with Israel continuing to violate the agreement and imposing restrictions on access to holy sites in East Jerusalem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque. "We strongly condemn Israel's actions in East Jerusalem and attempts to alter the historical status quo," Fidan said, adding that Israel has now begun implementing in Lebanon the same occupation and destruction policies it has carried out in Gaza. He called on the international community to take responsibility against Israel's opportunistic policies based on faits accomplis and to put a stop to its expansionism. Dialogue and Diplomatic Efforts Continue Fidan emphasized that Türkiye, under President Erdogan's leadership, continues to seek ways to stop the war before it worsens further. He noted intensive exchanges with Qatar and other partners, as well as contacts with both the United States and Iran to understand their positions and prevent escalation. The minister also shared a telling detail from his recent conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. "Missiles have just hit Riyadh. At least refrain from sending missiles to Riyadh during the meeting," Fidan recalled telling his Iranian counterpart. He added that Türkiye continues to offer sincere and friendly advice to Iran as a responsible state—for both its own interests and those of the region. Fidan is on a regional tour addressing the rapidly intensifying instability since the joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran began on Feb. 28, which has been followed by Tehran's retaliatory strikes across multiple countries.