Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the unrest in Iran, warning against any actions that could worsen the situation and further destabilise the region.
Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Monday in a televised address, Mr Erdogan described the protests in Iran as a “new test” for Tehran. He cautioned against what he termed “traps” that could emerge from street-driven scenarios, arguing that such developments risk pushing the country into deeper and more dangerous turmoil.
“We are closely observing all the scenarios being imposed through the streets,” Erdogan said, urging “a subtle political approach that prioritises dialogue and diplomacy” so that “our Iranian brothers can overcome this difficult period.” The remarks marked Ankara’s first official response to the protests currently shaking the Islamic Republic.
The Turkish leader also stressed that Turkey would oppose any initiative likely to plunge the region into chaos, reiterating Ankara’s diplomatic stance, which he said is firmly anchored in the pursuit of peace and regional stability. According to Erdogan, any escalation of tensions in Iran would not be contained within its borders and could have far-reaching consequences.
The unrest in Iran comes against a backdrop of prolonged economic hardship, worsened by years of international sanctions, alongside heightened security tensions. Iranian authorities have pointed to a recent military confrontation with Israel in June, while various reports indicate heavy human tolls linked to the protests, fuelling fears of a deepening internal crisis.
Turkey’s position had earlier been underscored by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who stated that Ankara opposes any military operation against Iran. His comments came amid renewed international discussions, including references by US President Donald Trump, about the possibility of military action being considered in some quarters.
Ankara is positioning itself as a proponent of political solutions and regional stability, seeking to prevent the Iranian crisis from escalating into a broader conflict. Turkish officials argue that renewed hostilities in the Middle East would risk creating another focal point of instability with global implications.
Beyond the Middle East, developments in Iran are being closely watched in Africa and other regions. Heightened tensions could disrupt maritime trade routes, energy supplies and diplomatic balances, particularly at a time when several African states maintain strong political and economic ties with both Turkey and Iran.
How the situation unfolds in the coming weeks will largely depend on the willingness of Iranian authorities and international actors to prioritise dialogue and diplomacy, as urged by Turkey, and on how regional powers manage the risk of escalation.
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