ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Despite the absence of active negotiations, Iran remains open to back-channel talks with the United States, according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The statement, made Saturday during an exclusive interview with The Associated Press in Ankara, comes as Turkey seeks to navigate a widening conflict in the Middle East and maintain neutrality.
Fidan stated there is “no serious initiative” currently underway to resume formal negotiations between Washington and Tehran. However, he indicated that Iranian officials are receptive to informal diplomatic avenues. “The conditions are not remarkably much conducive” to diplomacy at present, Fidan said, adding that Iranians “feel betrayed” following recent attacks while engaged in nuclear program negotiations with the U.S. Despite this sentiment, he believes “they are open to any sensible back-channel diplomacy.”
Turkey, a NATO member with established relationships with both the U.S. And Iran, previously attempted to mediate a resolution between the two countries before the recent escalation of hostilities. The U.S. And Israel launched attacks on Iran two weeks ago, triggering the current war, according to reports. Fidan revealed he had attempted to persuade Iranian officials to de-escalate recent retaliatory attacks targeting Gulf states hosting U.S. Military installations.
Maintaining neutrality is a top priority for Turkey, Fidan emphasized. This position was tested recently when three rockets, believed to originate from Iran, were intercepted by NATO defense systems over Turkish territory. A NATO airbase in southern Turkey is utilized by allied forces, including U.S. Troops. Iranian authorities have reportedly assured Turkey they did not intentionally target the country, despite data indicating the rockets’ origin. Fidan stated that a military response is not currently being considered, noting the effectiveness of the NATO defense systems. “I know that we are being provoked and will continue to be provoked,” he said. “But that is our goal. We want to stay out of this war.”
Fidan, who served as Turkey’s intelligence chief for over a decade before becoming foreign minister in 2023, also addressed questions surrounding the health of Iran’s recent Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, following an attack early in the conflict. “What we know is that he is alive and functional,” Fidan stated, referencing regular contact with Iranian government representatives. Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei succeeded his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Fidan suggested the transition of power and the new leader’s health have created a power vacuum within Iran, which he believes has been filled by the Revolutionary Guard’s command structure.
Fidan is considered a close advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and a potential successor, having played a key role in shaping Turkey’s Middle East policy, particularly concerning Syria, Iraq, and Iran.
