Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has indicated that Gulf countries might consider taking measures if the current Middle East situation continues. The minister shared these insights while addressing journalists, following a meeting held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where Gulf leaders deliberated on the matter.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Fidan provided details about his regional tour, which included visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During the discussions, Gulf countries assessed that the ongoing conflict could persist for another two to three weeks. Fidan emphasized the critical role of the United States in resolving the conflict and highlighted that Gulf states have been clear about not allowing their airspace or bases to be used against Iran, stating they would not participate in the war.
The minister further noted that the Gulf countries accused Iran of intentionally targeting not only military bases but also civilian infrastructure and economic sites. He expressed concerns over Israel’s potential influence on the U.S. to prevent a ceasefire or the achievement of peace in the near future. Fidan also mentioned the growing divergence between U.S. and Israeli positions, which might prolong the conflict.
Fidan acknowledged the slim chances of negotiations during ongoing hostilities but suggested that a short-term ceasefire could pave the way for talks, with the possibility of resuming the war if discussions fail. He warned that Israel might seek to extend the conflict to cause more damage to Iran and criticized Israel’s unwillingness to pursue peace despite having plans to end the war.
Post-war, Fidan anticipates significant changes within Gulf countries, including a shift towards new defense strategies and potential economic cooperation with Iran, conditional on meeting specific expectations. He noted increased confidence in Trkiye’s consistent stance during the conflict, as Ankara has clearly communicated its opposition to actions against both Iran and the Gulf countries.
Fidan reiterated Trkiye’s commitment to using diplomatic channels and regional initiatives, such as the recent Riyadh meeting, to bring the war to a swift conclusion. He emphasized the urgency expressed by all participants and noted that the meeting’s joint statement reflected this sentiment.
The minister criticized both Israel’s expansionism and Iran’s regional aggression, ensuring the joint statement acknowledged these threats. He underscored Trkiye’s consistent criticism of Israel and its efforts to mediate for regional stability, cautioning against parties prioritizing victory over peace.
Highlighting President Recep Erdogan’s focus on relations with the European Union, Fidan reaffirmed Trkiye’s commitment to the EU membership process and the importance of modernizing the Customs Union and achieving visa liberalization. He pointed out Trkiye’s crucial role in areas like combating illegal migration and terrorism, and its assistance to EU nations in evacuating citizens from conflict zones.
Fidan concluded by noting that Trkiye maintains stable relations with the EU, with ongoing work towards meeting visa liberalization criteria.