Politics
Türkiye urges US, Iran negotiation as Fidan warns against escalation
Türkiye hopes the U.S. and Iran will engage in “genuine negotiations” and avoid the need for military action, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Thursday, emphasizing Ankara’s preference for diplomacy over the risk of war.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) and TRT in Washington, Fidan said, “Our wish is that there will be no need for a military operation or war, and that the parties genuinely reach a negotiation here.”
“As you know, this is an issue we follow closely. The process that started in Istanbul has led Americans and Iranians to begin speaking again. This is an extraordinarily important development,” Fidan said.
Following diplomatic efforts launched in Istanbul, the two sides met twice, once in Oman’s capital Muscat and once in Geneva, Switzerland, he noted.
Fidan added that he also met with one of the parties in Washington to assess the direction of the talks.
“Essentially, there are many reasons to be hopeful,” he said. “We hope they reach a result, especially on the nuclear file.”
He noted that his recent discussions involving Oman as a mediator, along with his direct contacts with American and Iranian officials, have been more constructive than in the past.
“My impression from the current talks, speaking with the Omani mediator, with the United States, and with Iran, is that the parties are giving unprecedentedly positive signals, particularly in advancing certain concrete issues,” he added.
At the same time, he cautioned that rising military activity by the US in the region is being “closely” monitored.
“We observe that military mobility has also increased,” Fidan said.
“Of course, we are closely monitoring whether this military activity is intended to put pressure on the ongoing negotiations or whether it is preparation for a pre-planned military operation.”
Despite encouraging diplomatic signals, Fidan stressed that the process remains at a delicate stage.
“How this becomes practically implementable, when it will happen, how the parties perceive it, and how that perception guides their next steps, we are at a critical threshold right now,” he said. “It needs to be followed carefully.”
Trump said Thursday that it would soon become clear whether a deal with Iran is possible, warning that Washington may be forced to escalate if negotiations fall short.
His remarks came right after attending the inaugural Board of Peace meeting, which was presided over by US President Donald Trump, bringing together representatives from more than 45 countries to discuss Gaza’s reconstruction and broader international stabilization efforts.
Highlighting Ankara’s willingness to support post-war reconstruction in Gaza, Fidan also noted that Türkiye can contribute not only to security but also to civilian sectors. “We can make meaningful contributions to rebuilding the health and education sectors and to training a police force,” he said. “In addition, we are ready to provide troops to the International Stabilization Force.”
Reaffirming Türkiye’s long-standing position on the political solution, Fidan added: “Mr. President, Türkiye will continue to support your efforts for a just and lasting peace. We firmly believe that the foundation of such peace lies in a two-state solution. Let us work toward this goal for the benefit of all peoples in the region.”
The board is intended to supervise Gaza during a transitional period following a U.S.-brokered cease-fire that ended Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed over 71,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7, 2023.
Türkiye’s Presidency’s Disinformation Combat Center on Thursday denied claims that Syria’s monthly customs regulations were aimed specifically at Turkish exports, calling the allegations misleading, unfounded and aimed at undermining growing ties between the two neighbors.
In a statement shared on social media, the center said the Syrian government’s regulations were not directed solely at Türkiye but applied globally and were adjusted according to seasonal agricultural conditions. It stressed that reports suggesting otherwise distorted official decisions by Syria’s National Import and Export Committee.
The center noted that bilateral trade between Türkiye and Syria rose 24% year-over-year in the January-April period, surpassing $1.35 billion, despite claims of commercial restrictions.
Ankara and Damascus have rapidly expanded cooperation since the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in late 2024. The two countries held their first Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO) meeting in Istanbul last month, where officials outlined plans to boost annual bilateral trade from $3.7 billion to $10 billion.
The countries have also intensified diplomatic coordination and discussions on reconstruction, customs modernization, transportation corridors and regional security. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan recently visited Damascus for talks on rebuilding Syria and strengthening long-term cooperation.
The center urged the public not to trust what it called “black propaganda” targeting relations with neighboring countries.
The Turkish Parliament approved an in-kind grant support agreement with Somalia on Thursday, as lawmakers highlighted Ankara’s expanding economic, security and development partnership with the Horn of Africa nation.
During debates at the Turkish Parliament, lawmakers from across the political spectrum discussed Türkiye’s growing role in Somalia, where Ankara has become a major investor and strategic partner over the past decade.
Cemalettin Kani Torun, a Bursa deputy from the New Path Party, said Turkish exports to Somalia had climbed to $273 million, while direct investments by Turkish companies exceeded $100 million.
“These figures did not come about spontaneously,” Torun said. “These are the fruits of a long-term and multi-actor commitment.”
He rejected accusations that Türkiye’s involvement in Somalia amounted to “guardianship” or colonialism, saying Ankara’s engagement was based on mutual benefit and “win-win” policies.
Torun also stressed the growing geopolitical importance of the Horn of Africa, arguing that Türkiye’s activities in Somalia, from trade to energy exploration, contribute to regional stability and counter outside interference.
Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) lawmaker Kamil Aydın said instability and piracy around Somalia and the Gulf of Aden had long threatened international shipping routes and maritime trade.
He said Türkiye had taken an active role under international agreements to support peace, security and economic development in Somalia.
“With the mutual trust and cooperation gained, Türkiye has succeeded in taking very important bilateral, regional and global positive steps with Somalia,” Aydın said.
Opposition lawmakers voiced criticism over broader aspects of Ankara’s foreign policy and foreign aid spending. Good Party (IP) lawmaker Ayyüce Türkeş questioned Türkiye’s extensive aid commitments abroad amid domestic economic challenges.
Meanwhile, ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party) Deputy Group Chair Leyla Şahin Usta defended Türkiye’s Africa policy, describing it as rooted in “friendship and brotherhood.”
“Türkiye is in Africa to build and repair,” Usta said, adding that cooperation with Somalia had helped strengthen local ownership and development across the continent.
The bill was approved following parliamentary discussions. Somalia’s ambassador to Ankara, Fathudin Ali Mohamed, also attended the parliamentary session.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Thursday that Türkiye is determined to expand strategic cooperation with Algeria across key sectors including regional security, energy, mining, transportation and agriculture, while warning that Israel’s attacks and regional escalation continue to disrupt global energy markets.
Speaking alongside Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a joint news conference in Ankara, Erdoğan said the two countries are strengthening long-term cooperation in energy supply security and advancing their strategic partnership.
Erdoğan recalled that the two leaders last met in Algeria on Nov. 21, 2023, where they elevated bilateral coordination mechanisms and officially launched the Türkiye-Algeria Strategic Cooperation Council.
“We chaired the first meeting of our Strategic Cooperation Council together and made decisions that will further advance our brotherhood,” Erdoğan said.
The Turkish president emphasized that relations between Ankara and Algiers are rooted in “mutual respect and affection stemming from a shared history,” adding that the spirit of solidarity also shapes the two countries’ positions on major international issues.
Describing Algeria as one of Türkiye’s largest trade partners in Africa, Erdoğan said cooperation is expanding in several strategic sectors, particularly energy, mining, transportation and agriculture.
He noted that Türkiye is intensifying efforts to reach the previously announced bilateral trade target of $10 billion.
More than 1,600 Turkish companies currently operate in Algeria with investments exceeding $8 billion in sectors including industry, mining, agriculture, construction, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure, Erdoğan said.
The president also highlighted an Ankara business forum held earlier Thursday, where representatives from the private sectors of both countries discussed new investment and partnership opportunities.
“We will continue working together in the coming period to expand mutual investments and private-sector cooperation,” Erdoğan said.
Addressing regional developments, Erdoğan warned that the conflict triggered by “Israel’s provocations and attacks” continues to negatively affect energy markets.
“The war in our region, which began with Israel’s provocations and schemes, continues to adversely impact energy markets in particular,” he said.
Erdoğan stressed that Türkiye had invested years ago in building “reliable, stable and sustainable partnerships” and is now reinforcing long-term cooperation in energy supply security, especially in natural gas.
He also called for stronger collaboration in renewable energy and emerging technologies, saying both countries should explore new partnership opportunities in those areas.
The head of the Higher Islamic Council and preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Ikrima Sabri, on Thursday praised Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen ties among Muslim nations and commended President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for promoting greater unity across the Islamic world.
“Growing coordination and cooperation among countries in the Islamic world represented a positive development,” Sabri said in a statement.
He said he was pleased with the visits and diplomatic exchanges hosted by Türkiye within the framework of strengthening Islamic rapprochement.
Sabri expressed hope that the efforts “would eventually lead to the formation of an Islamic union similar to existing international and regional blocs.”
“The Islamic nation today is closer than ever to the option of unity and harmony,” he said.
He praised Erdoğan’s role in seeking to deepen relations among Muslim countries and helping them move toward greater independence and prosperity.
Sabri also welcomed the continued exchange of official visits among leaders of Muslim countries, stressing that the issue of Al-Aqsa Mosque should remain central to those meetings and initiatives because it represents “the compass of the Islamic nation and its central cause.”
He specifically praised the current visit of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to Türkiye, saying Algeria and Türkiye are key pillars in supporting the Palestinian cause.
Sabri also welcomed Türkiye’s growing ties with several Muslim countries, including Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Egypt, expressing hope that the efforts would contribute to stability and prosperity across the Islamic world.
Earlier Thursday, Erdoğan welcomed Tebboune with a ceremony at the presidential complex in Ankara.
The two leaders held talks and co-chaired a meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council between the two countries, followed by the signing of agreements and a news conference.
Relations between Türkiye and Algeria have expanded rapidly in recent years across multiple sectors, driven by a friendship and cooperation agreement signed in 2006 and reinforced since Tebboune took office in December 2019.
Turkish opposition leader Özgür Özel voiced support Thursday for Türkiye’s domestic defense industry projects, including the Kaan fighter jet program, during a visit to the SAHA 2026 International Defense, Aerospace and Space Industry Fair in Istanbul.
Özel, leader of the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), toured exhibition stands featuring some of Türkiye’s flagship defense systems, including the Altay battle tank, Türkiye’s first intercontinental ballistic missile Yıldırımhan and unmanned aerial vehicles such as Akinci and TB3.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, Özel described the event as a major international gathering connecting global defense buyers with Turkish suppliers and manufacturers.
“We are eagerly waiting for the day Kaan flies with its domestically produced engine, and we fully support it,” Özel said, referring to Türkiye’s fifth-generation fighter jet project led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ).
Özel also stressed the growing importance of air defense systems in light of recent regional conflicts, citing both the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions involving Iran.
“The last few years have taught the world many things,” he said. “They showed us how important air defense systems are.”
The CHP leader said Türkiye needed stronger independent defense capabilities, including advanced naval and missile defense systems, arguing that relying solely on NATO or allied military assets would leave the country vulnerable.
“If you have a steel dome protecting Türkiye from missiles fired from Iran, you sleep comfortably,” he noted. “Otherwise, you wait for NATO to intervene or for American naval assets to provide defense missiles.”
During the visit, Özel boarded the domestically produced Gökbey helicopter, tested an air pistol at one of the stands and drove a space exploration vehicle displayed by a university technology club.
Despite his supportive remarks on Turkish defense, Özel recently drew criticism over comments regarding rocket tests conducted by Turkish manufacturer Roketsan in the northern province of Sinop.
Speaking at an event in Sinop, Özel argued that the company’s missile testing activities should be moved elsewhere, saying the tests negatively affected fishing in the Black Sea city.
“Fish are frightened by the missiles,” Özel said, adding that tourists were disturbed by rockets flying overhead and that the noise caused marine life to abandon nesting areas.
The remarks triggered widespread criticism and ridicule on social media, with accusing the opposition leader of undermining Türkiye’s defense industry at a time of heightened regional tensions.
Turkish authorities detained 32 suspects in two separate operations targeting the Gülenist Terror Group (FETÖ), security officials said Thursday.
In the eastern province of Malatya, police detained 23 suspects in simultaneous raids across 17 provinces as part of an investigation coordinated by the Malatya Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The operation was carried out by teams from the National Intelligence Organization (MIT), police intelligence units and counterterrorism officers, the Malatya Police Department said in a statement.
The raids targeted suspects accused of operating within FETÖ’s covert network inside the police force. The operation covered Malatya as well as Adana, Ankara, Batman, Gaziantep, Hatay, Istanbul, Izmir, Kahramanmaraş, Kayseri, Kilis, Konya, Mardin, Ordu, Osmaniye, Şanlıurfa and Trabzon.
In a separate Izmir-based operation, nine suspects were detained in raids targeting the group’s alleged hideouts, police said.
The Izmir Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office coordinated the operation, which was carried out by counterterrorism and intelligence police. Authorities said one of the suspects, identified by the initials S.N., was accused of serving as the group’s so-called police handler.
Other suspects were accused of using ByLock, an encrypted messaging app Turkish authorities say was used by FETÖ members, and of maintaining active roles within the group’s hierarchy.
Police said the suspects were found in so-called “gaybubet houses,” hideouts allegedly used by fugitive members of the terrorist group.
Authorities said nine of 10 targeted suspects were detained in the Izmir operation, while efforts continued to capture one fugitive. The detainees were taken to police headquarters for questioning.
Türkiye designates FETÖ as a terrorist group, blaming it for the 2016 failed coup in which 252 people were killed, and 2,734 were wounded.
Ankara also accuses the terrorist group of being behind a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary.
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