FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FİDAN - Dear press members, distinguished guests, today we are hosting a very important guest in İstanbul. I would like to begin by expressing my pleasure at welcoming my dear friend and brother, Mr. Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, and his delegation to our country.

As you know, I visited Tehran last November. Since then, we have been in constant communication as issues related to both bilateral relations and regional developments arise. So, due to developments in the region, we need to talk almost every other day.

My dear brother and I discussed many important developments today. We thoroughly discussed many regional and bilateral issues. The stability and security of our region are among the fundamental priorities of our foreign policy. As you know, we always advocate that we must produce solutions to regional problems with a sense of regional ownership. We strive to conduct all our activities in the Middle East, the Balkans, and South Caucasus entirely in accordance with this principle. In this context, the peace and prosperity of our neighbour, Iran, is of great importance to us and to the region. We are closely following developments in Iran. I would like to reiterate our deepest sorrow over the deaths that occurred during the protests and our condolences to the Iranian people. I have reiterated this to my friend. It is gratifying that the events have largely subsided. We hope that the calm will remain. We hope that Iran's internal issues will be resolved peacefully by the Iranian people without external intervention.

On the other hand, we have seen that the PKK terrorist organization is trying to take advantage of recent developments. This situation has once again demonstrated that the PKK/PJAK terrorist organization poses a threat not only to Türkiye but also to Iran. We would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that we must fight together against the PKK.

Dear press members, the resumption of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States on a constructive basis is of vital importance in terms of reducing regional tensions. The negotiations will also pave the way for the lifting of sanctions against Iran and Iran's integration into the international economic system. These steps will bring significant gains to all parties. At this point, relations must be normalized on the basis of a new agreement. We have consistently conveyed to all our counterparts that we oppose any military intervention in Iran, starting with our President. Our President also spoke with H.E. Pezeshkiyan on the phone this morning. We reiterate here: We oppose resorting to military options to resolve the issues. We do not believe this will be of much use either. We advocate negotiation and diplomacy. What happened in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Gaza remains fresh in our memory. While trying to heal the wounds of the past, opening another wound in our region will benefit no one. The countries of the region want peace, stability, and tranquillity. In this context, we call on the parties to come to the negotiating table. We believe that addressing the issues separately once the negotiating table is set up will facilitate reaching a solution. During today's meeting, I personally conveyed these points to my esteemed colleague, Mr. Araghchi. I reiterated that Türkiye stands ready to provide all kinds of support for the peaceful resolution of the issues.

On the other hand, we also see that Israel is trying to persuade the US to launch a military attack on Iran. Israel's efforts carry the potential to cause significant damage to the fragile stability of our region. We hope that the US Administration will act with common sense and not allow this to happen. Israel must end its destabilizing policies in the region.

Dear press members, today we are also discussing the latest developments regarding Gaza with my esteemed colleague. Today, our most pressing issue is to alleviate the suffering of our brothers and sisters in Gaza and ensure they can look to the future with hope. The second phase of the Gaza Peace Plan has been initiated. Our country has made a significant contribution to achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. We will continue to play an active role in the coming period. We are part of the mechanisms of the Peace Committee. I will also participate in the work of the Gaza Executive Board to support the work of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza and the High Representative. Our fundamental goals in Gaza are clear: Gaza must be governed by Gazans. Gaza's borders must not be changed. Reconstruction in Gaza must be carried out for Gazans, based on the needs and future of the people of Gaza. As Türkiye, we are assuming responsibility and taking initiative based on these principles.

Dear friends, Syria is also on our agenda today. We remain steadfast in our opposition to any efforts targeting Syria's territorial integrity and unity. As you know, a ceasefire process, which was extended on January 24, is currently in effect. Today, we heard that an agreement has been reached on integration. We received messages about this last night. We are, of course, closely examining this agreement. True integration is in Syria's best interest. The parties already know the conditions for this. The completion of the safe transfer of prisoners from prisons/jails to Iraq is of great importance. On the other hand, we also closely follow the process of forming a new government in Iraq, our common neighbour, following the parliamentary elections. My esteemed friend and I also emphasized the importance of maintaining security and stability in Iraq for both our countries and our region. We are eager and determined to work closely with the new Iraqi government in this regard.

Dear press members, Türkiye and Iran are two important actors in their region. In this context, I sincerely believe that the continuity of contacts is beneficial not only for our bilateral relations but also for regional security and prosperity.

I would like to thank my dear friend Mr. Araghchi for his contributions during his visit today. After our meeting today, our President will also receive them. Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to Istanbul and to our country.

Please, the floor is yours.

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF IRAN, ABBAS ARAGHCHI - [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pK7fwadyOI&t=7m42s

QUESTION: I would like to ask Mr. Araghchi a question. How do you assess what we might call America's contradictory moves and statements? What I mean is this: While military ships and aircraft carriers continue to arrive in the region, we also hear statements saying “we are open to dialogue,” and at the same time we hear threats. We also hear statements that "an attack is imminent". At the same time, there are statements that "if the Iranian regime falls, we need to think carefully. We will see the difficulties of protecting American soldiers and American bases in the region." How do you assess these as Iran?

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF IRAN ABBAS ARAGHCHI - [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pK7fwadyOI&t=19m00s

QUESTION- [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION] I have a question for both Ministers.

Mr. Minister, first of all, you mentioned that Türkiye is trying to act as a facilitator between Iran and the United States. At the same time, Mr. President also met with his Iranian counterpart. In this regard, what kind of concrete messages are you conveying to the capitals, and are you receiving a concrete response especially from Washington, particularly in terms of addressing the issues differently? If these diplomatic efforts do not yield any results, if they cannot resolve the issues, what measures is Türkiye taking to assess these security-related issues and, of course, in terms of national security?

I would also like to ask Mr. Araghchi the following question. As you know, the European Union has declared the Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization. We would like to hear your opinion on this.

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF IRAN ABBAS ARAGHCHI - [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pK7fwadyOI&t=22m17s

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FIDAN - Regarding the question you have addressed to me: As you know, one of the most important principles our President has set forth regarding our foreign policy—which we have been implementing with great consistency and determination for years—is the de-escalation of regional conflicts and, if possible, the prevention of new wars. This is the approach we have taken in Gaza, Syria, the Ukraine War, and similarly in all conflicts in our region, including the South Caucasus. Because if conflicts continue, they create fertile ground for all kinds of problems. It paves the way for terrorism, mass migration, poverty, and it is a period of intense instability with no end in sight. Following the same logic, we, of course, did not accept such an attack against our neighbour and brother, Iran, last June. It is impossible for us to accept any future attack in light of these principles. We believe that the only correct path is to act through dialogue and solutions. Of course, there are two sides, one of which is Iran. Our negotiating partner is also with us right now. We have had very intense discussions with him on this matter. So, we have a rough idea of the conditions under which Iran can negotiate, and how far it can go on certain points. It's an issue we've been following for years. Of course, our President is working intensively to resolve the fundamental disagreements between Iran and the United States, particularly the nuclear issue and several other matters. We are also negotiating with our brother on this issue.

Of course, I had a very long meeting with Steve Witkoff yesterday before meeting with my brother. I had meetings with some of our friends in the region. Today we shared certain views. After this, we will also meet with the Americans. Because, as you know, it is a process inherent in forming ideas; as we discuss and incorporate new perspectives, the subject evolves. As it evolves, new awarenesses and new understandings emerge. This gives you the opportunity to take new concrete steps. Today, my brother and I also discussed some new perspectives. Of course, he represents a system, a state. He has limitations and instructions that he must follow. In light of this, he tries to fulfil his duties properly. The American side has the same kind of system. Taking all these systems into account, hopefully we will find a middle ground. Our region will neither experience the consequences of a destructive, an abrupt war, nor will it be left isolated like Iran has been for many years, causing Iran to resort to certain policies that are not accepted by the region. Neither deadlock nor war is a solution. What is required is a solution and we are working with all our might to achieve this through peace. The countries in the region also support this issue. I hope we can make some progress on this matter.

QUESTION - [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION] Hello, Mr. Araghchi. First, I would like to ask you a question. You said that your visit to Türkiye was planned. So, you said it was planned in advance and that you made this visit in response to Mr. Hakan Fidan's visit to Iran. However, this visit is taking place at a time when tensions have escalated in the region. Considering these existing tensions, how do you see Türkiye's role in reducing these tensions? How do you assess Türkiye's assessment?

We now know that Israel poses the greatest threat to regional peace, that the Zionist regime is a major threat to regional peace. Türkiye knows this too. It is being discussed, it is known. As a Muslim country, what agenda does Türkiye have to expand regional cooperation with other countries in the face of Israel's policies, what is being planned, what will be done?

Thank you.

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF IRAN, ABBAS ARAGHCHI - [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pK7fwadyOI&t=29m03s

FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FIDAN - You know our views on regional expansionism. We want to see a permanent system established in our region where everyone respects each other's borders, rights, laws, security, and national security. We do not want this system, which has been established elsewhere in the world, to exist in our region. We live in the age of nation states. Therefore, we say to ourselves from the beginning: Just as we do not want Turkish expansionism, Arab expansionism, or Persian expansionism, we certainly do not want to see Israeli expansionism. Israel's attacks on Lebanon and Iran, particularly regarding Palestine, its occupation of Syria, and its attack on Qatar are clear signs and evidence of its expansionist ambitions in the region. These must be ended immediately, and the region must be brought to a place where other countries, including the State of Palestine, respect each other's borders. The countries in the region are no longer powerless and helpless. Each country has its own power, arena for struggle, and determination. Countries are coming together. It is now time for cooperation. It is in Israel's best interest, as well as in the interest of regional peace, to abandon its regional expansionist policies and, instead, to recognize the State of Palestine, working in harmony with other countries in the region.

QUESTION- [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION] Foreign Minister Mr. Araghchi, do you or any Iranian official have any plans to meet or hold talks with any American official in the coming hours or days? If so, when and where, and if any military conflict occurs, what will Iran do to prevent it?

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF IRAN, ABBAS ARAGHCHI - [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pK7fwadyOI&t=32m31s

QUESTION - My question is for Mr. Araghchi. The American press has been reporting for some time that if negotiations resume, the Trump Administration will have a series of demands from Iran. These are believed to include the complete cessation of uranium enrichment activities, the complete removal of enriched uranium from the country, the limitation of Iran's missile development activities, and the reshaping of Iran's relations with other powers in the region. If the negotiating table is re-established, what will Iran's approach be to all of this?

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF IRAN, ABBAS ARAGHCHI - [SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION]

* Deciphered by Interpress-unofficial translation from the Turkish text.