Tehran Responds Strongly to Turkish Foreign Minister’s Criticism of Iran

In a recent statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, reinforced the country’s steadfast commitment to its principled positions. He emphasized that Iran’s policies are consistent and not subject to daily changes, reflecting the nation’s unwavering support for resistance against illegal activities and terrorism.

Baghaei took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday to highlight Iran’s pivotal role in combating terrorism. He stated, “We were the first country to raise the banner of the fight against Daesh (the Takfiri terrorist group) and violent extremism with the hands of our national hero, Martyr (anti-terror commander General Qassem) Soleimani, and we defeated them in the region.” This declaration underscores Iran’s historical involvement in counter-terrorism efforts.

The spokesperson further reiterated Iran’s long-standing opposition to extremism and its dedication to stabilizing neighboring countries. He remarked on Iran’s early rejection of a coup attempt against the Turkish government, saying, “We were the first country to oppose and confront the coup against the Turkish government.” Additionally, he pointed out Iran’s support for the disarmament of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which he described as a crucial step toward enhancing security in Turkey.

These comments followed a statement from imprisoned PKK founder Abdullah Öcalan, who urged the militant group to disarm, seeking an end to a conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life over several decades. Baghaei’s remarks further reflect the ongoing complexities of regional politics.

In his post, Baghaei also cautioned against the “overt and covert hands of the US and Israel in regional developments,” asserting that their involvement has exacerbated instability in the region. He referenced Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s remarks, stating, “The region must be freed from the culture of one country dominating others; neither Arabs, nor Turks, nor Kurds, nor Iranians should seek to dominate, harass, or threaten one another.”

Baghaei’s response to Fidan’s statements raised a critical question: “But what about Israel?” He accused the Israeli regime of escalating aggression in Syria, particularly following the fall of Damascus on December 8, 2024, when Turkish-backed forces took control of the capital.

According to Baghaei, within days of Damascus’ fall, the Israeli regime launched extensive attacks on Syria’s military and defense infrastructure, including scientific and research centers, resulting in the destruction of over 90 percent of them. He noted that Israel has reoccupied the entire Golan Heights and has seized significant strategic parts of Syrian territory, expanding its “expansionist agenda.”

In December 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified his visit to Mount Hermon in Syria as an “assessment of the Israeli military’s activities” on the highest mountain range in the Arab country. However, political analysts have described this visit as part of a broader “Greater Israel project” rather than a mere military assessment.

Baghaei emphasized that “the Israeli regime now controls Syria’s most important water sources and repeatedly violates the country’s territorial integrity and national sovereignty.” He pointed out that Tehran has not pursued any regional ambitions over the past five decades and highlighted that Iran’s primary concern remains the support of the Palestinian people and their ongoing struggle against Israeli occupation.

He asserted, “The issue of Palestine is more alive than ever, and Israel is more hated than ever.” Baghaei added that the plans for forced displacement in Gaza and the annexation of the occupied West Bank could not be accomplished without “stabs in the back.”

These comments were made in response to recent statements by US President Donald Trump, who referenced the “forced displacement” of Palestinians from Gaza and the takeover of the strip. Baghaei’s remarks reflect Iran’s firm stance on its foreign policy and its unwavering support for the Palestinian cause amid ongoing regional tensions.

In conclusion, Baghaei’s statements serve as a reminder of Iran’s commitment to its principles, the fight against terrorism, and the support of neighboring nations in their quest for stability. As the situation in the region continues to evolve, Iran’s role remains a significant factor in the ongoing dialogue and conflict surrounding these crucial issues.