TEHRAN – Iran and Turkey 
reaffirmed their common stance on regional stability and the urgent need to halt Israeli violence against civilians in Gaza during a high-level meeting in Tehran on Sunday, signaling a deepening partnership across political, economic, and security spheres.
Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, welcomed his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, emphasizing that the two nations are “not only neighbors but friendly and brotherly countries with rich historical and cultural ties,” and noting that their borders “have long been borders of peace and friendship.” 
He highlighted the significance of the ongoing “Cultural Year of Iran and Turkey,” marked by numerous programs strengthening bilateral ties. The talks set the stage for the ninth session of the High Council for Cooperation, chaired by the presidents of both countries, aiming to accelerate joint projects. 
While acknowledging substantial progress in bilateral relations, Araghchi underscored persistent gaps, particularly in trade and economic cooperation. 
“Trade between the two countries is growing but still falls short of our targets. Several measures must be taken to fully realize our capacities,” he said.
Energy collaboration emerged as a key priority. Araghchi affirmed Iran’s readiness to extend existing gas contracts and expand cooperation in electricity, while stressing the importance of removing barriers to trade and investment. 
Plans to connect railway lines between Cheshmeh Soraya and Aralik, develop joint free zones, and activate new border crossings were discussed as part of a broader effort to enhance regional connectivity. 
He also announced the forthcoming opening of an Iranian consulate in Van, Turkey, describing it as a “new representative office that will play a key role in developing cooperation in border provinces.”
The ministers turned to pressing regional concerns, particularly the Israeli genocide against Palestinians. 
Araghchi stressed that repeated violations of the ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with Israeli attacks in Lebanon and Syria, reveal “broader plans to destabilize the region.” 
He linked stability in Syria directly to its territorial integrity, warning that “the main threat to security and stability comes from the Israeli regime and its occupation.” 
Iran, he said, views it as the duty of regional states to resist external aggression and support sovereignty across West Asia.
Araghchi also addressed terrorism and regional security, stressing that Iran and Turkey face a shared threat from extremist groups. He reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to mutual cooperation in combating terrorism, including the disarmament of the PKK and the dismantling of all terrorist organizations. 
Consultations covered nuclear issues and the impact of U.S. sanctions, with Araghchi expressing confidence that continued dialogue would strengthen cooperation and open new horizons for both nations.
Fidan echoed Tehran’s emphasis on regional stability, highlighting energy, trade, and logistical cooperation as essential for expanding bilateral ties. 
He underscored the importance of border crossings and people-to-people connections, noting that
“millions of people from both countries interact and trade annually,” and stressed the need to fully exploit these capacities. 
On diplomatic infrastructure, Fidan welcomed Iran’s upcoming consulate in Van, pledging to attend its inauguration.
The Turkish minister addressed broader security challenges, particularly Gaza, Lebanon, and Israeli actions across the region, calling the escalation “a problem for the entire region.” 
He emphasized support for continuing ceasefire arrangements, halting attacks in the West Bank, and safeguarding East Al-Quds. 
Fidan also called for Iran’s greater integration into the international community and urged the removal of “unjust sanctions,” while highlighting Turkey’s support for peace efforts in Ukraine.
Both sides stressed the importance of sustained parliamentary and high-level diplomatic exchanges. 
Fidan concluded by underscoring the strategic depth of the partnership, asserting that “Turkey has always stood with Iran and will continue to do so,” and framing ongoing cooperation as essential for regional security, economic development, and the collective ability to confront shared threats.
 Separately, Araghchi described the relationship between the two neighbors as “friendly and brotherly,” even amid occasional disagreements.
He noted that Iran and Turkey face numerous regional challenges and share common interests, though differences exist. “There is a good shared understanding that our relations must remain friendly under all circumstances,” he said.
Araghchi said both countries are closely aligned on preserving Syria’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, while recognizing some differences in approach. 
“We discussed how regional states, in light of recent Israeli actions, should cooperate closely to establish a shared regional security framework,” he said, noting that the idea of such a structure is gaining traction across the region.
On the nuclear issue, Araghchi stressed Iran’s willingness to negotiate from a position of equality for a fair and balanced solution. “It is the United States, with its excessive and coercive policies, that has currently blocked the possibility of meaningful negotiations,” he said.
Araghchi also reflected on his recent visit to France, where he met his counterpart to discuss the nuclear file, regional security, and bilateral issues. He said the talks were constructive, though years of engagement with European powers have yet to yield effective results. 
“With Europe, as with the U.S., challenges persist, but dialogue remains essential,” he said, emphasizing that conversation is not the same as negotiation. 
“Negotiation requires a specific aim and mutual intent to reach a defined outcome. While we are not negotiating with Europe now, we are assessing conditions for productive future discussions.”
The minister reiterated Iran’s principled stance against coercion and overreach: “As soon as we determine that negotiations with any party benefit the Iranian people and uphold their rights, we will not hesitate. But under no circumstances will we submit to bullying or excessive demands.”
On the broader regional context, Araghchisaid, “The policy of expansionism by Israel threatens the stability of multiple countries, and our joint aim is to counter these threats through coordination and regional cooperation.”