US must ‘set boundaries’ for Netanyahu to prevent wider conflict: FM Fidan
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends interview of CNN TURK channel in Ankara, Türkiye on April 10, 2025. (AA Photo)
In a live interview on Turkish media outlet CNN Turk, the Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan made direct remarks about the need for the United States to restrain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Fidan stated, “When we look at the Middle East through the lens of the Gaza and Palestine issue, America must, so to speak, set boundaries for Netanyahu.”
He added that Netanyahu’s visit to the U.S. stemmed from anxiety, suggesting that Washington should reassert its influence.
Fidan highlighted a broader geopolitical power struggle by saying, “While America is trying to send a message to the world with its new leadership, another actor emerges and challenges America using its own resources and support. This is no longer just a regional war; this is a war for power—who’s the boss.”
Trump’s role in global conflicts and customs tariffs
Fidan referred to U.S. President Donald Trump’s earlier promises to end conflicts in Palestine and Ukraine and not to start a new global war.
While acknowledging Trump’s support for Tel Aviv, he also noted, “He has a sympathy for Zionism, he supports Israel, and the people around him have been selected accordingly. But at the end of the day, he wouldn’t want to hear, ‘Oh, he’s just doing what Israel tells him.’ A man who has taken on the whole world won’t shy away from confronting Netanyahu.”
On Trump’s newly announced tariffs, Fidan said the process was dynamic but caught many countries off guard.
He commented that Trump might “reverse his steps” if the economic reactions prove too severe and said, “He’s trying to intimidate others to make them comply. He thinks if it worked once, it will work everywhere. But when it doesn’t, he steps back to prevent things from worsening. This is something we will manage—together.”
Türkiye urges immediate US-Iran talks
Fidan emphasized Ankara’s active diplomatic role with both the U.S. and Iran, saying he conveyed each side’s expectations to the other.
He urged immediate face-to-face dialogue and said, “My advice to both parties, especially the Americans and Iranians, is to start talks without any delay, and preferably in person.”
He warned that a military operation against Iran would only increase instability: “Our region cannot handle another war. A military strike on Iran would do nothing but escalate instability.”
PKK should adhere to disbandment call
On the PKK terrorist group, Fidan noted that the organization has been called to disband, and Türkiye expects compliance.
“Türkiye has never left its security to others’ decisions. Our intelligence and military operations will continue with precision,” he said.
Fidan recalled that previous disbandment orders were overridden by foreign influence, saying, “The international system’s directives took precedence over the group’s own chain of command. Could this happen again? There’s no reason why it wouldn’t.”
Risks in Syria and doubts about YPG agreement
Fidan addressed the March 10 agreement between Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Ferhad Abdi Sahin.
He cautioned that Syria’s new government cannot be expected to solve long-standing issues quickly, and warned of risks if the agreement is extended by saying, “The group has a habit of pretending to agree while using diplomacy to further its real agenda.”
He advised the Syrian government to remain “careful and diligent” in dealing with such groups.
Türkiye-Iraq Security Mechanism meeting set for April 13
Fidan confirmed a security meeting with Iraq will be held on April 13 in Antalya and said, “Interior, intelligence, foreign affairs, and military officials from both sides will meet in a 5+5 format.”
He stressed the need for Iraq, especially in Sinjar, to act more decisively and suggested federal forces intervene in disputed areas.
Netanyahu blocks cease-fire despite Hamas’ flexibility
Fidan expressed that Hamas has made several concessions to secure a cease-fire by saying, “They’ve set aside institutional goals so that two million Palestinians can receive humanitarian aid.”
He claimed that Netanyahu is exploiting Hamas’ weakened position and refuses to extend the cease-fire.
‘As long as Palestinians stay in Gaza, there will be resistance’
Fidan argued that Israel’s goal is to push Palestinians out of Gaza by saying, “As long as the Palestinian population remains in Gaza, they will always form a resistance movement. Why? Because the occupation continues. The only way to prevent resistance is to expel them entirely.”
On Trump viewing Gaza as “real estate,” Fidan commented that no unilateral plan can work and said, “Our normalization conditions with Israel are clear, and the Palestinian issue is central. This might not matter to America, but it matters to us.”
He warned that any peace plan excluding Gazans would fail and deepen global instability: “If the world can’t solve this, it signals a bigger crisis. Gaza cannot be solved without its people.”
Fidan concluded with a symbolic remark and said, “The blood of the Palestinians that falls on this land will bear fruit elsewhere. It will nourish a new reality. When it emerges, many will be overwhelmed by its power.”
Optimism for peace in Ukraine and regional stability
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan supported a continued cease-fire effort, citing fatigue on both sides, “Both are so consumed by adrenaline, they don’t realize the magnitude of their losses. When the war ends, they’ll see it clearly.”
He emphasized that progress toward long-term peace depends on first securing a ceasefire. Türkiye is willing to observe a peace process if both sides agree by saying, “If Ukrainians and Russians agree on a ceasefire and want us to observe, we’ll do our part.”
Fidan also commented on Europe’s efforts to reduce dependency on the U.S. defense industry and criticized the exclusion of non-EU NATO allies from Europe’s new defense fund.
