WANA (Jan 30) – During a joint press conference by the foreign ministers of Iran and Turkey in Istanbul, the Islamic Republic of Iran announced its readiness to re-enter nuclear negotiations, provided that the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and mutual respect are upheld. The statement came as Ankara welcomed the revival of diplomacy and underscored its role in easing regional tensions.

 

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, referred to the longstanding relations between Tehran and Ankara, describing the two countries as “longtime neighbors and partners in difficult times,” and expressed appreciation for Turkey’s positions on recent regional developments. He stressed that Iran has never sought nuclear weapons and that such arms have no place in the Islamic Republic’s security doctrine.

 

Emphasizing that Tehran has always viewed diplomacy as the primary means of safeguarding national interests and preserving regional peace and stability, Araghchi stated that Iran is prepared to engage in negotiations so long as they are conducted on an equal footing, based on mutual interests, and with reciprocal respect. Past experience, he noted, has shown that effective negotiations require avoiding pressure, coercion, and unfair approaches.

 

The Iranian foreign minister went on to describe ongoing regional developments as the result of illegitimate interventions by certain extra-regional powers, warning of the destabilizing consequences of Israel’s policies. He called for closer coordination and cooperation among regional countries to confront shared threats, stressing that the security of each nation is inseparably linked to the security of the region as a whole.

 

At the same meeting, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the resumption of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States as an important step toward reducing regional tensions, saying such a process could pave the way for lifting sanctions and facilitating Iran’s integration into the international economic system. Warning against Israel’s efforts to push the region toward military confrontation, he emphasized the need for a rational and diplomatic approach.

 

The two sides also exchanged views on the latest developments in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Gaza, reaffirming their commitment to preserving territorial integrity, supporting inclusive political processes, respecting the will of nations, and accelerating the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. Expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic sphere, was another key topic of discussion.

 

In this context, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who arrived in Istanbul earlier on Friday, 30 January, for consultations with senior Turkish officials, held talks a short while ago with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan.

Iran and Turkey