WANA (Oct 19) – Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, issued a stark warning that “Israel’s policies have turned the region into a powder keg, and its explosion could endanger peace and security regionally and globally.”

 

This came after a bilateral meeting in Istanbul where the two ministers addressed pressing regional concerns, including cooperation under the 3+3 format and the situation in the Caucasus.

 

The discussions between Iran and Turkey focused on a broad spectrum of issues such as trade, combating terrorism, border security, environmental cooperation, and energy, banking, and tourism collaboration.

 

Araghchi emphasized Iran’s commitment to strengthening relations with Turkey, particularly after productive talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He also announced plans to mark 2025 as the Iran-Turkey Cultural Year with diverse initiatives.

 

During the press conference Araghchi strongly condemned Israel’s aggressive policies, describing the regime as the “greatest threat to global peace and security.” He criticized the failure of international mechanisms, particularly the UN Security Council, to prevent atrocities.

 

Araghchi warned that “the expansionist policies of the occupying regime have turned our region into a powder keg, and its explosion could endanger peace and security both regionally and globally.”

 

He stressed that the likelihood of war in the region is a serious concern, noting that “no one in the region, except for the Zionist regime, seeks such a situation.” While reaffirming Iran’s desire to de-escalate tensions, he emphasized, “as we have stated many times, we are fully prepared for any scenario.”

 

He further blamed the complete backing of Western nations, especially the U.S., for enabling Israel’s actions. He warned that ongoing Israeli actions, including civilian killings in Gaza and Lebanon, are pushing the region toward a serious risk of widespread conflict, which neither Iran nor Turkey would accept.

 

Expressing alarm over rising tensions in Lebanon, Araghchi called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the dispatch of humanitarian aid to Lebanon and Gaza.

 

Referring to the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Araghchi emphasized that such acts would not diminish Palestinian resistance.

 

He highlighted the strong solidarity shared among regional nations in support of the Palestinian cause, condemning Israel’s actions as genocidal, with concerns that similar violence could escalate in Lebanon. The minister also stressed that regional countries have agreed not to allow their territories or airspace to be used against Iran.

 

In conclusion, Araghchi underlined ongoing efforts to convene an emergency summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address the situation and expressed gratitude for Turkey’s firm stance on the matter. “The voices against Israeli crimes and in support of Palestine are louder than ever,” he noted.