Turkey Advocates Diplomacy as Iran Shows Willingness to Negotiate

Hakan Fidan, the Foreign Minister of Turkey, has expressed concerns regarding the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, emphasising the importance of diplomacy over military action. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Fidan asserted that it would be a mistake for the US to initiate another conflict with Iran.

Fidan's comments come as the US has deployed a naval strike group to the Gulf region, raising fears of potential military escalation following a recent period of heightened hostilities between the two nations. "It’s wrong to start the war again," he stated, calling for a gradual resolution of the ongoing issues through diplomatic channels.

Tensions have intensified following a series of military engagements, including a 12-day conflict last June that resulted in significant damage to Iranian facilities. The US has previously launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, claiming it dealt a severe blow to Iran's nuclear ambitions. However, Iranian officials maintain their right to pursue nuclear enrichment, creating further complexities in negotiations.

During the interview, Fidan conveyed that Iran is open to resuming negotiations concerning its nuclear programme. He mentioned, "Iran is ready to negotiate a nuclear file again," reflecting a potential opening for dialogue amidst the rising tensions.

US officials have also delineated additional demands from Iran, including a reduction in its missile capabilities and a cessation of support for armed groups in the region, such as Hezbollah and Hamas. Fidan recommended that the US approach its negotiations with Iran incrementally.

“My advice always to the American friends, close the files one by one with Iran. Start with nuclear, close it, then the others,” Fidan advised. He added that presenting all issues in a single negotiation could overwhelm the Iranian leadership and hinder progress towards a solution.

Fidan further stated that Iran has the potential to play a constructive role within the region, urging for a restoration of trust among regional nations. He highlighted the necessity for cooperation despite differing ideologies and conflict histories.

In closing, he remarked, “They need to create trust in the region. They need to have attention to how they are perceived by the regional countries, because they are not going anywhere; we are not going anywhere.”

The full interview with Hakan Fidan is set to be aired on Al Jazeera English on Thursday at 16:30 GMT.