WANA (Nov 30) – In a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran and Turkey placed the situation in Gaza at the center of their discussions. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi warned that repeated ceasefire violations in Gaza and Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and Syria indicate that “the regime is pursuing broader plans to destabilize the region.” Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan also outlined Ankara’s position in support of the people of Gaza, with both sides calling for coordinated action to stop the killings.

 

Welcoming the Turkish Foreign Minister and Emphasizing Deep Iran–Turkey Ties

At the start of the joint press conference, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi welcomed Hakan Fidan and the accompanying delegation, noting that Iran and Turkey are “not merely two neighboring states, but two friendly and brotherly nations with deep historical, religious, and cultural bonds.”

 

He highlighted that the current year has been designated as the “Iran–Turkey Cultural Year,” with several joint cultural events already held.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attend a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran, November 30, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Preparations for the Next High-Level Cooperation Council Meeting

Araghchi explained that the two sides discussed arrangements for the upcoming Ninth High-Level Cooperation Council meeting in Tehran. He noted that despite progress in recent years, “a gap still remains in fully activating the economic and trade potential of both nations,” and emphasized the need for strengthened mechanisms to close this gap.

 

Iran Remains One of Turkey’s Most Reliable Energy Suppliers

The Iranian foreign minister underscored Iran’s role as a dependable supplier of energy to Turkey, stating that Tehran had expressed readiness to extend the gas contract and expand cooperation in the electricity sector.

 

Both sides stressed the need to remove barriers to bilateral trade and investment, agreeing that these issues would be given priority in the upcoming Council meeting and the Joint Economic Commission.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a joint press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Tehran, Iran, November 30, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Push to Complete Rail Connectivity and Expand Border Crossings

The two ministers also discussed the railway connection project between the two countries in the Cheshm-e Sorya – Aralık region. Araghchi said he hoped construction would begin as soon as possible.

 

Iran also announced readiness to establish joint free zones, activate new border crossings, and start technical negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks during a joint press conference with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, Iran, November 30, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Iran to Open Consulate General in Van

Araghchi stated that Iran’s new Consulate General in the Turkish city of Van would be opened soon. This, he said, would “add a new layer of capacity to bilateral relations” and strengthen cooperation between the border provinces of both countries.

 

Regional Agenda Dominated by Gaza: Tehran and Ankara Align on Ceasefire Efforts

A major part of the regional discussions centered on Palestine and developments in Gaza.

 

Araghchi said: “Palestine — and the urgent need for joint action to stop the killing of the oppressed people of Gaza — was one of the most important topics of today’s talks.”

 

He warned that repeated Israeli violations of the ceasefire in Gaza, along with recent strikes on Lebanon and Syria, indicate that “the regime is pursuing broader plans to destabilize the region.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attend a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran, November 30, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Syria’s Stability Threatened Primarily by Israel

Araghchi stressed that Syria’s stability is tied to the preservation of its territorial integrity, stating: “The greatest threat to Syria’s security and stability comes from Israel and its ongoing occupation.”

 

He emphasized that regional countries must “build a barrier” against Israel’s aggression and expansionist policies in Syria and Lebanon.

 

Iran’s Position on the Caucasus: Opposing Extra-Regional Interference

The Iranian foreign minister reiterated Tehran’s stance on the Caucasus: stability must come from regional cooperation and not outside intervention.

 

He underscored the shared threat of terrorism and reaffirmed Iran’s support for Turkey’s efforts toward disarming the PKK and creating a region “free of terrorism.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attend a joint press conference in Tehran, Iran, November 30, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Talks on Sanctions and the Nuclear File

Araghchi confirmed that the two sides also discussed Iran’s nuclear program and U.S. sanctions.

 

He said that details regarding the recent “snapback” episode at the UN Security Council were shared, adding that bilateral cooperation is “growing and expanding toward broader horizons.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Tehran, Iran, November 30, 2025. Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

Earlier on Sunday, Hakan Fidan was formally received by Seyed Abbas Araghchi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tehran, marking his first official bilateral visit to Iran under Turkey’s new government. The two ministers subsequently held private talks before addressing the media.

 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei had said ahead of the visit that discussions would cover bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments. He described the trip as part of ongoing diplomatic consultations between Tehran and Ankara, noting that a consistent element of these talks has been the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, along with Israeli attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and other regional countries.

 

The latest meeting follows a series of high-level exchanges between the two nations over the past year, including three visits by Araghchi to Turkey and multiple meetings with both Fidan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, underscoring the continuity of diplomatic engagement between Tehran and Ankara.