Türkiye warns Israel over Syria strikes, opposes US action on Iran
Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan (C) arrives to attend the NATO foreign ministers meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on April 04, 2025. (AA Photo)
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has stated that Türkiye does not want a direct conflict with Israel in Syria, warning that Israel’s actions in the country could lead to long-term instability.
Speaking to Reuters during the NATO foreign ministers’ summit in Brussels, Fidan said Israel’s recent moves in Syria risk opening the door to future unrest.
“If the new administration in Damascus wishes to establish certain agreements with Israel, that is their decision,” he said, noting that Israel, like Türkiye, is a neighbor of Syria.
When asked about the possibility of U.S. military action against Iran, Fidan emphasized the importance of diplomacy and said Türkiye does not support such a move.
Rising tensions over Israeli strikes in Syria
Following a series of Israeli airstrikes in Syria, most recently targeting the Tiyas (T-4) airbase, where Türkiye reportedly intends to establish a military facility, tensions have escalated.
According to Yedioth Ahronoth, Israel aims to maintain air superiority in Syria amid what it views as a growing Turkish-backed presence. An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that the latest strikes were intended as “a message to Türkiye.”
In response, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, “Through its attacks on the territorial integrity and national unity of regional countries, Israel has become the greatest threat to regional security. It acts as a strategic destabilizer and fuels terrorism.”
‘Fidan: ‘S-400 sanctions are an anomaly’
Fidan also addressed the Ukraine war and U.S. sanctions on Türkiye over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.
Describing the sanctions as an “anomaly” that must be corrected, Fidan said deterrence is necessary to prevent renewed conflict.
“Russia and Ukraine remain far from a peace agreement,” he said.
“We welcome U.S. efforts to help end the war, but reaching a deal is not easy. Any peace agreement would be difficult for both sides to accept, but it is better than more loss of life.”
Fidan also suggested that former U.S. President Donald Trump might help resolve the S-400 issue if he returns to office.
