Turkey’s foreign minister has appealed to the United States to reopen nuclear negotiations with Iran, warning against military action as American warships move into the region amid growing tensions over Tehran’s crackdown on protests.
Speaking in an English-language interview with Al Jazeera, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said launching another war against Iran would be a serious mistake. He stressed that Tehran remains open to discussions on its nuclear programme and urged Washington to prioritize diplomacy.
Fidan advised US officials to resolve issues with Iran step by step rather than confronting all disputes at once. According to him, beginning with the nuclear file would make negotiations more manageable and productive before addressing other areas of disagreement.
His remarks came shortly after the US military confirmed that a naval strike group led by an aircraft carrier had been deployed to Middle Eastern waters. While US Central Command did not disclose the exact location, the move has fueled speculation about possible military action against Iran.
The United States has not ruled out intervention following Iran’s forceful response to recent nationwide protests. Human rights organizations claim that thousands of people were killed within days of the crackdown, which was accompanied by widespread internet shutdowns. Since the unrest began, US President Donald Trump has sent mixed signals about whether Washington might take military steps.
Turkey, a NATO member that shares a long border with Iran, has consistently opposed armed action against its neighbour. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently described the situation in Iran as a critical challenge and said Ankara would resist any move that could plunge the region into further instability. He expressed hope that dialogue and diplomacy would help Iran navigate what he called a dangerous and sensitive period.
Fidan echoed this stance during the interview, arguing that disputes with Iran should not be bundled together. He explained that presenting all demands at once could be counterproductive and even perceived as humiliating, making them difficult for Iran’s leadership and public to accept.
The Turkish foreign minister also encouraged Tehran to improve its regional relations by rebuilding trust. Reflecting on a recent visit to Iran, he said he had been direct with Iranian officials about the need to be mindful of how their actions are viewed by neighbouring countries and the wider region.
