Diplomatic Tensions Rise Between Turkey and Iran Amid Criticism and Summons
Turkey summoned a senior Iranian diplomat amid rising tensions, sparked by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s criticism of Iran’s militia-based foreign policy. Iran retaliated by labeling Turkish comments as unconstructive and summoned Turkey’s ambassador. Despite stark political differences in regions like Syria, trade relations between the two countries remain strong, pointing to a complicated but interdependent relationship.
A diplomatic dispute between Turkey and Iran intensified on Tuesday as Turkey’s Foreign Ministry summoned a senior Iranian diplomat, signaling escalating tensions. This action followed comments made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan during an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, where he criticized Iran’s foreign policy of utilizing militias in the region, indicating that such an approach could have negative repercussions.
Fidan warned that Iran’s strategy necessitated reevaluation, stating, “If you do not want a stone to be thrown at your window, you will not throw a stone at someone else’s window.” His remarks provoked a strong reaction from Iranian officials, who deemed Fidan’s statements as “very unconstructive.” In response, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei reinforced Iran’s discontent during a press briefing.
On the same day, Turkey’s ambassador in Tehran, Hicabi Kırlangıc, was summoned for talks with Iranian Foreign Ministry officials, who urged the importance of maintaining amicable relations. Mahmoud Heydari, who oversees Mediterranean and Eastern European affairs, emphasized the need to avoid comments that might exacerbate tensions between the two nations, reflecting concerns over recent increased criticisms from Iranian officials towards Turkey.
The complex relationship between the two neighboring countries has evolutionary threads, particularly regarding their conflicting positions in Syria. While Turkey has actively supported rebel forces against the Assad regime, Iran has consistently aligned with Assad’s government, highlighting one of the points of contention in their diplomacy. Despite these differences, Turkey and Iran maintain robust economic ties, with their trade volume in 2023 estimated at $5.49 billion, primarily focused on Turkish exports.
Recent statistics show that in late 2024 and early 2025, Iranians ranked as the second-largest foreign purchasers of property in Turkey, underlining the significance of economic relations amid political tensions. Turkish officials reiterated their commitment to strengthening bilateral relationships, while Iranian representatives suggested that mutual interests must be prioritized to foster future collaboration. However, historical strains remain evident, as seen in past accusations from Turkey regarding military actions in northern Syria.
The ongoing diplomatic tensions between Turkey and Iran highlight the delicate balance that both nations must navigate amid their regional ambitions and historical grievances. While both countries express a desire to strengthen economic ties, the underlying political disagreements, particularly concerning foreign policy and involvement in conflicts like Syria, threaten their bilateral relations. The recent exchanges underscore the complexity of their interactions, indicating that resolving differences will require careful diplomatic engagement and mutual respect.
Original Source: www.thenationalnews.com
