Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said that the Middle East continues to live under the threat of war and must safeguard its own future.

This warning highlights the volatility of regional security as Turkey navigates the complex tensions between major powers and neighboring states. Fidan's comments underscore a growing sentiment that external guarantees of peace are insufficient to prevent the reignition of conflict.

During an interview in Ankara on Jan. 23, 2026 [1], Fidan said that ongoing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran could lead to renewed hostilities. He said that there are indications that Israel is still looking for an opportunity to launch an attack [1].

This perspective contrasts with earlier statements regarding the desire for peace. In a report from Istanbul on April 19, 2024 [2], Fidan said that no one wants to resume the US-Israeli war against Iran. The shift in tone suggests a perceived increase in the immediate risk of escalation over the last two years.

Fidan said that the country and the broader region must rely on their own capabilities to ensure stability. He said that depending on outside actors to maintain peace is a risk to long-term security, a stance that aligns with Turkey's strategic push for regional autonomy.

The Foreign Minister's remarks come amid a period of heightened diplomatic friction. By pointing to the specific dynamics between Israel and Iran, Fidan said that the current geopolitical climate remains precarious despite various diplomatic efforts to maintain a fragile truce [1], [2].

“The region still lives under the threat of war.”

Fidan's contradictory statements across 2024 and 2026 reflect a transition from hopeful diplomatic deterrence to a more urgent, realist approach to security. By emphasizing self-reliance and warning of Israeli aggression, Turkey is signaling that it views the current U.S.-led security architecture in the Middle East as unreliable and capable of failing, necessitating a more autonomous defense and diplomatic strategy.