Fidan Warns of Escalation in Iran War as Gulf States Near Retaliation
hakan fidan
Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has intensified diplomatic efforts to contain the Iran war, warning that Gulf countries may soon retaliate against Iranian attacks. Speaking after regional consultations, Fidan highlighted rising tensions, growing frustration among Gulf states, and the increasing risk of a broader regional conflict.
Intensive diplomacy to prevent escalation
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has been actively engaging regional and international counterparts to explore ways to end the ongoing war in the Middle East.
According to diplomatic sources, Fidan held separate phone calls with:
- Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
- Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud
- Pakistani officials
He also previously spoke with key actors including Iran, Egypt, the European Union, and the United States to discuss steps toward de-escalation.
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Gulf states issue “last warnings” to Iran
Fidan warned that Gulf countries are reaching a critical threshold.
Speaking after a regional summit in Riyadh, he said Gulf states have issued their “last warnings” to Iran and may be forced to respond if attacks continue.
“The Gulf countries say that if the current situation persists, they will have no choice but to take countermeasures,” Fidan stated.
Rising frustration over attacks on civilian targets
According to Fidan, Gulf countries are increasingly frustrated by Iranian strikes, particularly those targeting civilian and economic infrastructure.
“They are asking why they are being targeted in a war they are not party to,” he said.
Gulf officials maintain that:
- They have not allowed their airspace or bases to be used against Iran
- They have tried to remain outside the conflict
- Yet they have still come under attack
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Missile strikes deepen tensions
Tensions escalated further when Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Riyadh during the summit discussions.
The strike was widely interpreted as a symbolic escalation, heightening security concerns across the region.
Recent attacks on:
- Qatari gas facilities
- Saudi oil infrastructure
have further intensified anger among Gulf states and prompted a reassessment of their position toward Tehran.
Shift in Gulf strategy emerges
Developments suggest a shift in Gulf countries’ stance.
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has agreed to allow the United States to use key air bases, signaling a potential move toward deeper involvement in the conflict.
In parallel, officials in the United Arab Emirates have reportedly prepared for a prolonged war scenario lasting several months.
Türkiye maintains balanced stance
Fidan emphasized that Türkiye opposes both:
- Israel’s military actions and expansionism
- Iran’s attempts to widen the conflict
He reiterated that Ankara’s priority is to prevent the war from spreading across the region.
“We do not want this situation to turn into a prolonged war that engulfs the entire region,” Fidan said.
Risk of wider regional war increases
Fidan warned that direct involvement by Gulf countries could significantly escalate the conflict.
Such a scenario would:
- Expand the geographical scope of the war
- Increase pressure on energy markets
- Deepen geopolitical fragmentation
Long-term implications for the Gulf
The Turkish foreign minister also pointed to potential long-term consequences.
He suggested that the war could accelerate:
- Defence industry investments in Gulf countries
- Structural shifts in regional security architecture
TRT World, Middle East Eye
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