New York – July 16, 2025 — Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has accused Israel of deliberately pursuing a strategy to destabilize the Middle East through its escalating military actions, which he said have now extended from Gaza and Lebanon to Syria. Speaking to reporters in New York during the sidelines of an informal expanded-format meeting on Cyprus, Minister Fidan issued a stark warning over the potential consequences of unchecked Israeli aggression.
“Israel’s attacks began in Gaza and are now expanding into Syria. We are in close contact with the United States and other regional partners. Israel must immediately abandon its policies of destabilization while there is still time,” Fidan said.
“A Clear Violation of Sovereignty”
Commenting on recent Israeli airstrikes targeting the Syrian capital Damascus, Fidan emphasized that Israel has for some time been engaged in what he called “a de facto policy of destabilization in the region,” conducted without regard for international norms, state sovereignty, or regional security.
“Israel is acting solely according to its own national security priorities, paying no attention to international law, the sovereignty of neighboring countries, or the broader consequences of its actions,” he stated.
Fidan noted that Israel’s military actions now span Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Iran, and most recently Syria, adding that regional powers are closely monitoring these developments and working together in a coordinated effort to restore calm.
“This is our region. Unilateral actions that destabilize the balance here are unacceptable,” he stressed.
“New Era of Hope in Syria at Risk”
The Turkish Foreign Minister also expressed concern over the fragile but promising developments in Syria following the new interim government’s rise to power after December 8. According to Fidan, this government has gained broad international recognition and paved the way for the lifting of sanctions and the first signs of long-awaited regional stability.
He highlighted a recent cooperation framework involving Turkey, the United States, the EU, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, which he described as “a model of constructive diplomacy.”
“Together, we have developed a new roadmap in Syria. The progress we’re seeing now must not be undermined by external interventions. We remain committed to ensuring the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the safety of all people in Syria,” he said.
Regional Coordination and U.S. Engagement
Fidan stated that President Erdoğan had been fully briefed on the developments and that Turkey remains in close dialogue with Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. He also revealed ongoing communication with Israel via intelligence channels, relaying Ankara’s concerns and opposition to continued attacks.
“We are in constant communication with U.S. Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barrack, and with regional countries. No one wants to see more civilian casualties or escalation,” he added.
Regarding tensions in southern Syria, Fidan expressed concern about clashes involving Druze and Bedouin communities, noting that Israel’s attempts to provoke and arm certain groups for strategic gain are unacceptable.
“Security forces must restore calm, and preventing further civilian casualties on all sides is absolutely critical,” he emphasized.
Fidan warned against the fragmentation of Syria through the creation of “small enclaves,” stating that such a strategy would prolong chaos and conflict in the country. He called for the reestablishment of central authority and urged all actors, including non-state groups such as the YPG, not to exploit the situation.
“We are hearing reports of YPG movements. Let me be clear: this is not the time for adventurism. Opportunism in a fragile environment like this could trigger a larger crisis,” he cautioned.
“The International Community Must Act”
Fidan stressed that Israel’s policies are not only dangerous for the region, but also self-destructive. He called on the international community, particularly the U.S. and the European Union, to take a firmer stance.
“We cannot tolerate Israel acting in defiance of the entire region. Without serious intervention from global powers, we are likely to face unwanted consequences,” he said.
Informal Talks on Cyprus Continue in New York
In a separate part of his visit, Fidan attended the “Informal Expanded Format Meeting on Cyprus,” where he met with counterparts from Greece, the United Kingdom, and leaders of both Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities.
“The goal of this meeting is to explore a realistic and just vision for the future of Cyprus—one that promotes stability in the region and serves the interests of both communities on the island,” Fidan told reporters.
He reiterated Turkey’s constructive approach, based on mutual benefit and dialogue, while also underlining Ankara’s red lines.
“We are ready to engage in sincere dialogue, but we cannot accept any arrangement that ignores the rights of Turkish Cypriots. The current status quo has consistently denied their legitimate claims,” he added.
Fidan confirmed that Turkey and other stakeholders would continue to push for concrete outcomes in the ongoing dialogue process, including follow-up to decisions taken at the previous round of talks.
“We have some proposals and scenarios in mind. We’ll see what kind of consensus can emerge from this round,” he concluded.
