Turkey Urges U.S.-Iran Disputes Be Resolved ‘One by One’
©Atta Kenare / AFP

Turkey's foreign minister on Wednesday urged the U.S. to resolve its disputes with Iran "one by one" instead of through a sweeping deal, saying this would avoid humiliating Iranian officials, and added that Tehran was ready for talks on its nuclear programme.

"If you put them as a package all of them, it will be very difficult for our Iranian friends to digest," he said. "It sometimes might seem humiliating for them. It will be very difficult to explain to not only themselves, but also to the leadership."

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reiterated that Turkey opposed any foreign intervention or attack on Iran, saying it would be "wrong to start the war again."

"My advice always to the American friends: close the files one by one with Iranians. Start with nuclear, close it, then the other, then the other," Fidan said.

Gulf Countries Encourage Mediation

A number of countries, including Turkey, Oman, and Qatar, have been attempting in recent days to mediate between the United States and Iran, according to two sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Jerusalem Post.

The message these countries have delivered to Iran, according to one of the sources, is: “Act rationally. Give President Trump something so that war can be avoided.” According to the same sources, these efforts to advance dialogue have not produced results so far.

Turkey Plans Buffer Zone Amid Escalation

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry told the country’s parliament that it was preparing to create a buffer zone over the Iranian border if the regime in Tehran falls, according to the Turkiye daily.

Ankara fears a wave of refugees heading toward Iran, and diplomats briefed lawmakers that “we are making preparations for all eventualities, with our A, B, and C plans. We believe there should be a buffer zone to ensure that those who arrive in the event of a migration remain on the Iranian side.”

Turkey currently maintains a buffer zone in northern Syria.

Comments
  • No comment yet