Critical contact from Iran to Turkey

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Turkey on January 30 to discuss important issues. It is expected that Araghchi, who will meet with Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as part of the visit, will evaluate bilateral and regional matters.

According to diplomatic sources, the meeting will emphasize the historical friendship between Turkey and Iran. Minister Fidan is expected to draw attention to the cooperation opportunities provided by the High-Level Cooperation Council established between the two countries in 2014 and to convey messages regarding the increase of joint efforts to raise the trade volume to 30 billion dollars.

Furthermore, it was reported that both sides are willing to further strengthen mutual cooperation in the fields of border trade, energy, and transportation. It is expected that an approach stating, "Turkey views the peace and security of Iran as being of strategic importance to itself," will be expressed during the talks, underlining that Turkey is closely following the recent political and social developments in Iran. In addition, it will be stated that Ankara is against possible military interventions in Iran and favors resolving the tensions through dialogue.

Fidan is also planned to convey the message that "Turkey is in favor of a peaceful solution regarding Iran's nuclear program and is ready to contribute to the process," and to state that technical support can be provided if deemed necessary. The role of the PKK's Iranian branch, PJAK, in recent events will also be brought to the agenda during the talks. Minister Fidan is expected to reiterate that PJAK poses an urgent threat to security in Iran and that its complete neutralization is a necessity.

The implementation of the peace plan that has moved to the second phase in Gaza, Turkey's active participation in the process, and the issue of uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza will also be on the table. Minister Fidan is expected to reiterate his approach that "humanitarian conditions that will ensure Gazans remain on their own lands must be created and support must be provided for the reconstruction of Gaza." Additionally, it is assessed that he will point out that regional countries must act together against Israel's actions that harm stability in the region.

It is reported that Fidan will also share with his counterpart the view that a sustainable peace and security environment in Syria will increase regional stability and will remind of the necessity of showing full respect for Syria's territorial integrity. Furthermore, he will point out the importance of maintaining the ceasefire to ensure that no security gaps occur during the transfer of ISIS prisoners in Syria.

RECENT CONTACTS BETWEEN TURKEY AND IRAN

The 8th meeting of the Turkey-Iran High-Level Cooperation Council was held in Ankara on January 24, 2024, under the chairmanship of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Erdoğan and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian had the opportunity to meet at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in September 2025.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan last visited Iran on November 30, 2025, and met with high-level state officials. Abbas Araghchi paid an official visit to Ankara on December 2, 2024; he was also in Turkey during the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers on June 21, 2025.

Regarding economic relations, as of November 2025, the trade volume between Turkey and Iran stood at approximately 5 billion dollars. The goal is to rapidly increase this figure through joint efforts and new steps to be taken.