Turkish foreign minister hosts Gulf, Jordan envoys in Ankara

2026-03-23 - 19:00

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a meeting Monday in Ankara with ambassadors representing the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Jordan, according to a statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry shared on the social media platform NSosyal. The gathering brought together diplomatic envoys from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, alongside the Jordanian ambassador, at a critical juncture as regional hostilities continue to expand. The ministry provided no additional details regarding the content of the discussions. However, the meeting reflects Türkiye’s sustained diplomatic outreach to key regional partners amid the ongoing conflict that began Feb. 28 with the US-Israeli offensive against Iran—a war that has since drawn in Gulf nations hosting American military assets and triggered widespread economic and security repercussions. Diplomatic coordination amid regional crisis Ankara has maintained active communication channels with Gulf states and Jordan throughout the crisis, advocating for de-escalation and emphasizing the importance of preserving regional stability. The meeting follows separate phone calls Fidan held Monday with his Egyptian, Norwegian, Pakistani and Saudi counterparts, underscoring Türkiye’s broad-based effort to build consensus for a ceasefire and political resolution. Gulf capitals, in particular, have faced repeated Iranian drone and missile strikes since the outbreak of hostilities, straining their defense capacities and testing their diplomatic resilience. Türkiye’s mediation role With the conflict now in its fourth week, claiming over 1,300 lives and disrupting global energy markets, Türkiye has positioned itself as a key mediator capable of engaging with all parties. Ankara’s strong ties with both Gulf states and Iran, combined with its NATO membership, afford it a unique vantage point for facilitating dialogue. The meeting with GCC and Jordanian envoys signals continued alignment on shared concerns, including maritime security in the Gulf, protection of critical infrastructure, and the need to prevent further regional conflagration. As diplomatic efforts intensify, Türkiye remains committed to leveraging its relationships to help restore stability and mitigate the conflict’s widening impact.