Turkey Says Foreign Intervention in Iran Would Worsen Regional Instability

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Ankara: Turkey has cautioned the international community against intervening in Iran’s ongoing protests, stressing that such action could worsen instability both inside Iran and across the wider region.

Ömer Çelik, spokesperson for Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), said Ankara does not wish to see “chaos” in neighbouring Iran and urged that the country’s internal problems be resolved through its own national will and internal dynamics rather than external pressure.

“We never desire any chaos to emerge in our neighbour Iran,” Çelik told reporters in Ankara. He added that foreign interference particularly actions he said were provoked by Israel could lead to “even greater crises” and deeper turmoil in the Middle East.

Çelik’s comments come as Iran grapples with its largest wave of protests since 2022. The unrest, which began in late December amid mounting economic hardship and political discontent, has drawn international attention. Rights groups say hundreds of protesters have been killed and thousands arrested, though independent verification of figures remains limited due to government restrictions and internet blackouts.

Turkey also called for dialogue between the United States and Iran to help ease tensions, echoing positions from other Turkish officials who have emphasised negotiation and communication over confrontation.

The warnings arrive amid pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has publicly threatened possible intervention if Iranian security forces use lethal force against demonstrators. Trump also said Tehran had signalled interest in negotiations.

Israeli leaders have openly stated they are monitoring the protests in Iran, with some expressing support for the demonstrators. Turkish officials have criticised such statements, viewing them as potential triggers for wider instability rather than constructive engagement.

Turkey’s stance reflects broader regional concerns about the potential spillover effects of sustained unrest in Iran. Ankara has repeatedly emphasised that Iran’s issues should be addressed internally and that external interference could deepen crises rather than resolve them.