Turkey Steps In: Offers Mediation Amid US-Iran Tensions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Turkey on Friday for discussions with his counterpart Hakan Fidan regarding recent developments in Iran and rising tensions with the United States, a Turkish Foreign Ministry source confirmed on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump warned Iran this week to return to the negotiating table over its nuclear program, threatening that any continued escalation could trigger even harsher US actions. Washington has deployed a substantial military presence to the Middle East, cautioning Tehran against harming protesters or reviving its nuclear ambitions.

In response, Tehran, which recently cracked down on widespread protests resulting in thousands of arrests and deaths, has threatened retaliation against the US, Israel, and their allies. Iranian authorities blame the unrest—the largest since the 1979 revolution—on foreign adversaries, particularly Israel and the United States.

As a NATO member bordering Iran, Turkey has voiced strong opposition to foreign intervention, urging the US to resolve its disputes with Iran “one by one.” Ankara has reached out to both sides, warning that instability in Iran could overwhelm regional management capacities.

According to the Turkish source, Fidan will emphasize the importance of Iran’s security, peace, and stability for Ankara, reiterate Turkey’s opposition to any military strike, and warn that such action could have global repercussions. Fidan is expected to offer Turkey’s support in facilitating dialogue with Washington, stating that Turkey stands ready to assist in resolving issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.