Turkish Foreign Minister Urges Restraint, Citing Iran's Readiness for Talks

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan issued a firm warning against military action targeting Iran, stating that such moves would be counterproductive while emphasizing Tehran’s willingness to re-engage in diplomatic discussions. The statement, reported by aljazeera.com, positions Ankara as a key mediator seeking to stabilize regional security dynamics.The core of the minister's message centered on the necessity of adopting a phased diplomatic strategy to manage current geopolitical tensions, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue over confrontation. This call comes as several critical flashpoints across the Middle East continue to test established international norms.Regional Security and Global OrderFidan elaborated on Türkiye's view regarding the evolving global security environment, noting that the cooperative structures established after World War II are showing significant strain. This fracturing order requires regional actors to assume greater responsibility for maintaining stability.The diplomat detailed Türkiye's intended function navigating this complex environment, focusing on maintaining open channels with diverse regional powers. He suggested that trust erosion between major states necessitates localized, pragmatic security arrangements.“Attacking Iran would be wrong. We believe that Iran is ready to return to negotiations, and we are encouraging a step-by-step diplomatic process to manage these issues,” Fidan stated, according to reports from the interview.The minister highlighted the necessity for measured responses to prevent localized conflicts from triggering wider regional ruptures. This approach emphasizes preventative diplomacy over reactive measures.Key takeaways from Fidan's assessment include:Iran's expressed readiness to resume dialogue with international stakeholders.The imperative for a gradual, incremental diplomatic approach to de-escalation.Türkiye's commitment to playing a stabilizing role as global governance weakens.The broader implication of Ankara’s stance is the reinforcement of its independent foreign policy, prioritizing regional economic connectivity and security insulation from great-power competition. Future stability will likely depend on the success of such middle-power mediation efforts.