Turkey has issued a clear warning to the United States not to repeat in Iran the policies previously applied towards Venezuela. This was stated by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in a television interview, commenting on a possible American intervention in the Islamic Republic, News.bg reports.
When asked how he views such a scenario, Fidan was categorical. “I would advise my American friends not to do it“, he said, agreeing with the host's clarification that Iran should not be turned into “another Venezuela“.
According to him, serious pressure is already being exerted on Iran, and the imposed sanctions are causing severe damage to the economy. This, in his opinion, is one of the main reasons for the mass protests in the country. However, Fidan stressed that Tehran has demonstrated readiness for dialogue, but the negotiations must be conducted in the “right way“.
The Turkish Foreign Minister warned that if Iran feels cornered, the country may begin preparing for the most negative possible developments. According to him, there is still a chance for a political solution, similar to attempts to settle the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump called for the end of the rule of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, accusing him of destroying the country and using violence on an unprecedented scale. The American head of state has repeatedly stated his readiness to support the Iranian protesters if the authorities continue with the repression.
Mass demonstrations in Iran began in late December 2025 against the backdrop of deep dissatisfaction with the economic situation in the country. Subsequently, Trump softened his tone and on January 16 announced that he had decided not to launch military strikes on Iran after Tehran canceled the executions of detained protesters. A few days later, however, on January 23, he stated that “just in case” a “large American flotilla“ was heading to the region.