Gulf states may act if tensions persist, Turkish foreign minister warns

2026-03-22 - 09:09

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has disclosed that Gulf nations are considering potential action should the ongoing regional conflict fail to de-escalate, following a series of high-level meetings across the Gulf. Speaking to journalists in Ankara upon returning from a diplomatic tour encompassing Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, Fidan outlined growing concerns among regional capitals about the trajectory of the war. The foreign minister revealed that during a gathering in Riyadh on March 19, Gulf countries expressed their assessment that hostilities could persist for an additional two to three weeks. Fidan noted that these nations had consistently declared from the outset that they would neither permit their airspace nor allow bases on their territory to be used against Iran, stressing their determination to remain outside the conflict. However, he added that they also conveyed Iran has deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure and economic assets in addition to military installations. Fidan pointed to widening divergence between Washington and Tel Aviv as a factor that could prolong the war. "Israel will try to influence the US and will seek to prevent a ceasefire or the achievement of peace in the near term," he said, noting that assessments suggest the initial alignment between the US and Israeli positions is eroding. He warned that Israel may adopt a strategy of extending the conflict to inflict greater damage on Iran, adding that while Israel initiated the war, the primary obstacle to ending it remains Tel Aviv's lack of genuine commitment to peace. Looking beyond the current crisis, Fidan predicted significant shifts in Gulf defense strategies. He suggested that after the war concludes, Gulf nations may begin exploring new defense arrangements while articulating clear expectations toward Iran. Should conditions permit, the focus could pivot toward economic cooperation, with Iran potentially raising its own demands regarding US military installations in the region. Türkiye’s diplomatic role has gained renewed credibility throughout the crisis, Fidan asserted. "From the very beginning, we did not adopt an ambiguous stance. Everyone sees that we have clearly told all sides what was wrong," he said, emphasizing Ankara's consistent criticism of both Israeli aggression and Iranian actions aimed at spreading the war. Türkiye ensured that the joint statement emerging from the Riyadh meeting included references to the threat posed by Israeli expansionism, reflecting Ankara's principled position. Regarding Türkiye’s relations with the EU, Fidan underscored Ankara's continued commitment to the membership process while calling for renewed political will from European capitals. He highlighted ongoing discussions on Customs Union modernization and visa liberalization, noting that Türkiye remains indispensable for Europe on issues ranging from migration management to citizen evacuations from crisis zones.