Iran and Turkey have stepped up diplomatic activities amid the growing threat of war in the Middle East and strong warnings from the US. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Istanbul on Thursday, where he is scheduled to hold important and sensitive talks with Turkey’s top leadership. After arriving in Istanbul, Araghchi said that the situation in the region is very delicate, so there is more dialogue than usual between Iran and Turkey. He indicated that the goals being advanced by the US and its allies have forced the two countries to maintain mutual coordination.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has already met with Araghchi. This conversation is taking place at a time when Ankara is presenting itself as a mediator to prevent a possible military confrontation between the US and Iran. Turkey has been talking about maintaining regional stability for a long time. This visit is happening after the threats of US President Donald Trump, in which he talked about military action against Iran and sending an “armada” (fleet of warships). The US has already deployed its warships and fighter jets in the Persian Gulf.
During the tour, Araghchi is also proposed to meet with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. It is believed that issues such as US pressure on Iran, Israel’s role, Gaza war and regional security will be discussed in depth in this meeting. According to analysts, both Iran and Turkey do not want the confrontation with the US to turn into open war. This is the reason why Ankara’s mediation and Tehran’s active diplomacy are being seen as a last ditch effort to avoid war.