Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday highlighted the importance of maintaining stability in Iran and the broader Middle East, warning that recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran could lead to wider regional and global instability. "We are making intense efforts to ensure calm and reestablish a climate of peace," Fidan stated at an iftar event, emphasizing the need for conflict parties to return to negotiations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan underscored that while Iran's regional proxy groups have not engaged in large-scale mobilizations, some limited activities have been observed. He mentioned that there is no significant internal unrest within Iran that could suggest an impending regime change, but warned that prolonged escalation could destabilize the entire region. Fidan noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's objectives are expanding from targeting Iran's military capabilities to potentially challenging the regime itself, with the minimum outcome being the degradation of Iran's military, and the maximum potentially involving regime change.

Fidan criticized the attacks as undermining diplomatic efforts. He pointed out that Ankara had previously engaged in diplomacy to delay hostilities, but these efforts were thwarted by renewed military actions which Iranian officials view as a betrayal of diplomatic processes. He highlighted potential global energy risks, such as disruptions in natural gas flow from Iran and instability affecting Gulf energy supplies, which could lead to significant global supply shocks. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran could further exacerbate volatility in energy and financial markets.

Trkiye has intensified diplomatic communications with multiple international actors, including the EU, Germany, France, Gulf states, Oman, and the US. Fidan reiterated Ankara's consistent message that attacks must cease immediately and diplomacy must resume. He mentioned that the ongoing conflict is likely to worsen humanitarian conditions in Gaza and that regional actors are increasingly focused on the Iran-related crisis.

Fidan confirmed that Trkiye continues to provide humanitarian assistance and is willing to support international peace efforts if needed. He reported that approximately 20,000 Turkish citizens, including dual nationals, are in Iran, with no injuries or fatalities among them. Despite airspace closures causing travel disruptions, Turkish authorities are maintaining operational border crossings and coordinating with relevant institutions. Fidan addressed potential migration issues, stating that current conditions in Iran do not permit large-scale departures, but Turkish institutions have contingency plans ready if the situation changes.

Finally, Fidan touched on broader geopolitical topics, including discussions about US CAATSA sanctions and Europe's evolving defense debates. He emphasized Trkiye's intent to be involved in any regional security frameworks affecting its neighborhood.