Türkiye and Iran discuss de-escalation amid US threats

2026-01-28 - 19:00

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a diplomatic call on Wednesday to address mounting regional instability. Sources from the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated the ministers discussed recent developments and explored pathways to de-escalate tensions, underscoring Türkiye's active role as a regional stabilizer. Türkiye Advocates for Diplomatic Solution The conversation aligns with Minister Fidan's previously stated position that a military strike by the United States against Iran would be a mistake. He has consistently urged both Washington and Tehran to resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomacy. This stance reflects Türkiye's foreign policy priority of preventing further conflict in neighboring regions, which is crucial for its own security and economic interests. Background of US-Iran Nuclear Standoff The ministers' exchange occurred against a backdrop of renewed warnings from US President Donald Trump, who on Wednesday called on Iran to strike a deal on its nuclear activities. Trump threatened that the "next attack" would be "far worse," referencing previous US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites during the June 2025 Iran-Israel conflict. This persistent volatility highlights the urgent need for diplomatic intervention from regional actors like Türkiye. Regional Stability as a Shared Priority For Türkiye, which shares a border with Iran and is deeply affected by Middle Eastern security dynamics, fostering calm is a strategic imperative. The discussion between Fidan and Araghchi represents a direct channel of communication aimed at mitigating risks that could lead to a broader regional conflagration, demonstrating Ankara's commitment to leveraging its diplomatic relationships to serve as a balancing force.