TEHRAN – Iran summoned the Turkish ambassador to Tehran on Monday following “basically unfounded and provocative” remarks by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
Iranian Deputy Minister Mahmoud Haidari summoned Turkish ambassador Hikabi Kilrangik and criticised Fidan’s remarks as “bassadly reckless.”
Haidari urged Ankara to “prioritize regional stability against divisive rhetoric” and focused on Israeli actions, saying “Instead of leveling the accusations, Turkish counterparts should address the crimes of Zionist regimes in Palestine and the occupation of Syrian lands.”
The Turkish ambassador emphasized his country’s commitment to maintain and strengthening friendly relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, saying:
“As two important countries, Turkey and Iran should work closely together to strengthen bilateral relations, regional engagement and address and mitigate existing threats.”
Kirlangic pointed out that he will convey the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ perspective to his own Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The day after Tehran’s move, Turkey summoned Iranian suspects and accused Tehran of “politicizing diplomacy.”
A spokesman for the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, “The dialogue should occur through private channels, not public provocation.”
The situation between the two neighbors heated up after Fidan denounced Iran for “unstable” Syria. Iran helped President Bashar Assad fight the Dash rebellion in the 2010s.
“If you try to destabilize a third country, other countries can travel back and forth by supporting groups within your borders,” the diplomat said.
The statements from Turkish authorities have elicited condemnational responses from several Iranian figures.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected Turkey’s criticism and described Iran’s Syrian policy as “a principle defense of territorial integrity against terrorism.”
“Tehran and Ankara hold a variety of views on certain regional issues, but they managed the differences through dialogue to prevent damage to bilateral relations,” he said.
However, he warned that “constructive rhetoric” from Turkish officials, including Foreign Minister Fidan, had requested Iran to “clearly and decisively” assert its stance.
He added: “While some neighbors prioritize normalising with the occupying (the Israeli regime), Iran is committed to resisting imperialism.”
Furthermore, Ebrahim Rezai, a spokesman for Iran’s Parliamentary National Security Committee, warned, “Iran will not wait for the stone to crush the windows. It will be the first to demolish the invader’s home.”
His remarks highlighted Tehran’s preparation for perceived threats, a theme reflected by Ali Akbar Velayati, who took Ali Khamenei, a theme reflected by Ali Akbar Velayati, an advisor to the leaders of the Islamic Revolution.
Velayati stressed that Ankara reflects “foreign stories” and erodes mutual trust, saying, “The role of the Iranian region cannot be negotiated. Those who test our resolve will face strategic regret.”
“History shows that Iran remains immovable in its principles and responds rudely appropriately.”
He also highlighted the importance of Turkish authorities in sharing geographic proximity and interests between Iran and Turkey and avoiding statements that could burden bilateral relations.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran is always open to dialogue and interaction, but in the face of unfounded rhetoric, it is not silent,” he pointed out.