Turkish, Iranian Foreign Ministers discuss Gaza war, bilateral ties
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The ministers addressed bilateral relations and the ongoing situation in Palestine, reflecting both nations' concerns over the broader regional instability that has emerged in recent months as a result of "Israel's" war on Gaza.
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Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan's meeting in December 2, 2024, in Ankara, Turkey (en.mfa.ir)
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in a phone call on Saturday, according to a source from Turkey's Foreign Ministry cited by RIA Novosti.
The ministers addressed bilateral relations and the ongoing situation in Palestine, reflecting both nations' concerns over the broader regional instability that has emerged in recent months as a result of "Israel's" war on Gaza.
The latest exchange deal saw Hamas release three Israeli captives in return for 183 Palestinian prisoners, as part of a ceasefire agreement brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, marking the fifth such swap since the truce began on January 19, 2025.
Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains volatile, with continued Israeli attacks on the Strip.
Read more: 22 martyred, 6 injured in the last 24 hours: Gaza Health Ministry
The Fidan-Araghchi call also comes at a time of shifting power dynamics in Syria, where Turkey is advancing its military presence under a potential defense pact with Syria's interim government.
Recent reports indicate that Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are in talks over a military agreement that would see Turkey establish two military bases in Syria, deploy F-16 fighter jets, and provide training for Syria's restructured army.
Meanwhile, Russia's presence in Syria is also being reassessed, with Syrian Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra suggesting that Moscow may be allowed to maintain its military bases, provided it aligns with Syria's national interests.
