Erdogan opposes foreign intervention scenarios in Iran

By Ahmet Taş | Wise News Press

ISTANBUL, TURKEY — President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially informed his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian on January 22 that Turkey does not support foreign intervention scenarios in Iran, following escalating military threats from the United States.

The diplomatic phone call occurred as Iran faces a period of deep uncertainty following protests that began on December 28, resulting in thousands of deaths. U.S. President Donald Trump has actively encouraged the demonstrators and threatened Tehran with military action if the government continues its crackdown or begins executing protesters. According to the Turkish Presidency’s Directorate of Communications, Erdogan emphasized that preventing the escalation of tension and resolving issues within the region is in Turkey's best interest.

Concerns over regional instability

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan echoed these sentiments, stating on January 15 that Ankara prioritizes regional stability and security. Fidan explicitly voiced Turkey's opposition to any military intervention, noting that anything happening in Iran directly concerns Turkey due to their shared history and geography. Experts note that Turkey, already focused on securing its Syrian border, is wary of new instability on its 560-kilometer eastern border, which has remained unchanged for over 400 years.

Security and migration risks

Experts from various institutions highlighted the multi-dimensional risks a destabilized Iran poses to Turkey:

• National Security: Dr. Hazar Vural noted that Iran's security is vital for the region's "terror-free zone" plans.

  
  

• Migration: Professor Dr. Salih Bicakci mentioned that the combination of public movements and potential foreign strikes could force Turkey to take measures against new waves of migration.

• Territorial Integrity: MHP Leader Devlet Bahçeli emphasized that Iran’s territorial integrity is a "matter of life and death" for Turkey.

• Diplomatic Channels: Researchers from the Center for Iranian Studies (IRAM) argued that Turkey needs a stable central authority in Tehran to maintain effective diplomacy rather than dealing with multiple unstable factions.

  
  

Economic and energy ties

Despite international pressure and threats of additional 25% customs duties from the Trump administration, Turkey maintains deep economic ties with Tehran. As of November 2025, Iran remains Turkey's fourth-largest supplier of natural gas, following the US, Azerbaijan, and Russia. Diplomatic sources report that the trade volume between the two nations reached 6.5 billion USD as of October 2025, with a long-term goal of reaching 30 billion USD annually. Minister Fidan indicated that while Turkey is monitoring US threats, there is currently no realistic presidential decision in Washington that necessitates immediate changes to these trade relations.

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