Israel Eyes Ankara as ‘Next Adversary,’ Warns Fidan

​ANKARA — In a sharp critique of regional dynamics, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned on Monday that Israel may be positioning Turkiye as its primary adversary following the conclusion of its current focus on Iran.

​Speaking at the Anadolu Agency Editorial Desk, Fidan argued that the Israeli administration, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, relies on a strategy of perpetual conflict to maintain political viability.

​”We see that Israel may seek to designate Turkiye as a new adversary after Iran, as it cannot sustain itself without an enemy,” Fidan stated. He suggested that Turkiye’s balancing role in the Middle East and its firm stance against “extremist policies” have made it a natural target for Israeli political pressure.

​The ‘Sincerity’ of Failed Talks

​Despite the collapse of high-level negotiations in Islamabad over the weekend, Fidan struck a surprisingly optimistic tone regarding the relationship between Washington and Tehran.

ADVERTISEMENT

​The “Islamabad Talks,” mediated by Pakistan and involving direct engagement between high-ranking U.S. and Iranian officials, ended on April 12 without a signed agreement. Disagreements over the Iranian nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz reportedly stalled the memorandum of understanding.

​However, Fidan asserted that the lack of a deal does not indicate a lack of intent. “Both sides are sincere about the ceasefire,” he said, noting that both the U.S. and Iran remain acutely aware of the necessity of de-escalation to prevent a total regional collapse.

​The Hormuz Dilemma

​Fidan also addressed the escalating maritime tensions, following U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announcements regarding a blockade of Iranian ports. He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must remain an open corridor for global energy.

​“What the whole world wants is that international transit is not blocked,” Fidan remarked, cautioning against the use of international armed peacekeeping forces, which he described as “highly complex.” Instead, he called for a “regional security framework” where Middle Eastern nations commit to mutual respect for sovereignty.