Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi Arrives in Istanbul for Emergency Talks
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in Istanbul for emergency talks with Turkey amid escalating U.S.-Iran crisis. Tehran seeks regional support as American forces mass for potential strikes.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Istanbul this morning for a one-day official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing pressing regional developments.
He was formally welcomed by senior Turkish Foreign Ministry officials, including the regional director general.
The visit, announced by Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei on January 29, is described as a pre-planned reciprocation of Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's trip to Iran several months ago, but it gains urgency amid escalating US-Iran tensions over Iran's nuclear program and domestic protests.
Baqaei emphasized Iran's commitment to "continuously strengthen relations with its neighbors based on the policy of good neighborliness and common interests."
Upon arrival, Araghchi addressed reporters, stating: "We are holding intensive consultations with Turkey. Our visit to Turkey was planned in advance and came in response to the visit by the Turkish foreign minister a few months ago. The presence of serious challenges in the region, and the objectives expressed by the United States and others, require us to conduct intensive consultations. I will meet with my Turkish counterpart and the Turkish president."
Araghchi is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Fidan on economic cooperation, security, and Middle East conflicts, followed by a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The ministers are expected to hold a joint press conference at 1:45 p.m. local time (10:45 GMT).
Turkey is positioning itself as a mediator, with Fidan planning to convey opposition to US military intervention and offer assistance in resolving the standoff, potentially through concessions on Iran's nuclear activities.
Erdogan has proposed hosting a teleconference between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Trump reportedly expressing interest.
Discussions also include potential refugee flows to Turkey's border and broader stability concerns.
The trip follows Araghchi's recent phone consultations with counterparts from Qatar, Egypt, UAE, Pakistan, Oman, and Turkey, pointing to Iran's diplomatic efforts as US forces position for possible strikes.
Political analysts note the visit's significance in averting escalation, though outcomes remain uncertain.