Key Concepts
- De-escalation with Iran: Advocating for negotiation over military action.
- Step-by-Step Approach: Resolving issues with Iran incrementally, starting with the nuclear file.
- Regional Order Shift: A potential new regional order prioritizing state actors over non-state actors.
- Trust Building: Iran’s need to foster trust with regional countries.
- Regional Cooperation: The necessity of cooperation despite ideological differences.
Turkey’s Position on Iran & Regional Stability
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has explicitly stated that a military attack on Iran would be “wrong” and counterproductive, arguing against further escalation of tensions in the region. He emphasized, “It’s wrong to attack on Iran. It’s wrong to start the war again.” This statement reflects Turkey’s preference for diplomatic solutions and a stable regional environment.
Negotiation Strategy: Incremental Progress
Fidan strongly advocates for a phased approach to negotiations with Iran, specifically regarding its nuclear program. He advises the United States to “close the files one by one with Iran, start with nuclear, close it then the other, get it as a package.” This strategy is based on the belief that presenting Iran with a comprehensive list of demands (“a package”) would be overly difficult for them to accept and potentially perceived as “humiliating,” hindering progress. He suggests a more “tolerated” approach, allowing Iran to process and address issues incrementally, making it easier for them to engage constructively and explain outcomes to their leadership. The core idea is to avoid overwhelming Iran with demands, fostering a more receptive environment for dialogue.
Emerging Regional Order & Iran’s Role
The interview touches upon a potential shift in the regional order, where the United States increasingly focuses on collaboration with strong, centralized states while diminishing engagement with non-state actors. The question posed to Fidan centers on where Iran fits within this evolving landscape.
Fidan believes Iran “can fit in a perfect place,” highlighting Iran’s inherent “ability and capability.” However, he stresses that this integration hinges on Iran’s willingness to build trust with its regional neighbors. He recounts a recent visit to Iran two months prior, where he directly communicated this need to Iranian officials. He underscored the reality that both Iran and Turkey are geographically stable entities – “They are not going anywhere. We are not going anywhere.”
The Importance of Regional Cooperation
Despite acknowledging the presence of “different ideologies and regimes and sectarians” within the region, Fidan asserts the fundamental necessity of cooperation among nation-states. He states, “no matter what…within the nation states system, we have to know how to cooperate and how to work together in our region.” This emphasizes a pragmatic approach to regional security, prioritizing shared interests and stability over ideological divides. The underlying argument is that sustained regional peace requires acknowledging the long-term presence of all actors and finding avenues for collaborative engagement.
Trust as a Prerequisite
A central theme throughout Fidan’s statements is the critical importance of trust-building. He specifically notes that Iran needs to be mindful of how it is “pursued by the regional countries,” recognizing that its neighbors are not going to disappear. This suggests a need for Iran to address regional concerns and demonstrate a commitment to peaceful coexistence to facilitate greater integration and cooperation.
Conclusion
Hakan Fidan’s statements present a clear call for de-escalation with Iran, advocating for a step-by-step negotiation process focused initially on the nuclear file. He frames Iran’s potential role in a shifting regional order as contingent upon its ability to build trust with its neighbors and embrace regional cooperation despite existing ideological differences. The core takeaway is that a pragmatic, incremental approach, prioritizing dialogue and mutual understanding, is essential for achieving lasting stability in the region.
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