Turkey's AK Party Warns Against Foreign Intervention in Iran, Citing Regional Instability

Ankara Cautions Against External Meddling in Iran

Ankara, Turkey – On Monday, January 12, 2026, Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), commonly known as the AK Party, issued a stern warning against foreign intervention in neighboring Iran. The party asserted that any external interference, particularly if 'provoked by Israel,' would significantly worsen regional instability and lead to greater crises.

Ömer Çelik, the spokesperson for the AK Party, delivered the remarks following a meeting of the party's Central Executive Board, which was chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara. Çelik underscored that Iran's internal problems should be resolved through its 'internal dynamics' and 'national will,' stating, 'We do not want any chaos to emerge in our neighbor Iran.'

Context of Regional Unrest and Turkish Stance

The warning from Turkey comes amidst ongoing demonstrations in Iran, which reportedly began in late December 2025, initially sparked by economic hardships and later evolving into political protests. The situation has drawn international attention, with some reports indicating threats of intervention from figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump, and comments from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated Israel was closely monitoring the protests.

Turkey, a NATO member, has consistently advocated for dialogue and peaceful resolutions in regional disputes, often positioning itself as a bridge between East and West. The country's stance emphasizes non-interference, urging that Iran's challenges be handled internally to prevent wider conflicts that could impact trade, migration, and security across the region. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan previously noted that while the protests in Iran stem from 'genuine reasons and structural problems,' they are also being 'manipulated from abroad by Iran's rivals.'

Turkey-Iran Relations and Regional Stability

The relationship between Turkey and Iran is characterized by a complex interplay of competition and cooperation. Both nations share interests in preventing Kurdish separatism and limiting external influence in the Middle East. They also maintain significant trade and economic ties. Ankara's current warning aligns with its long-standing policy of preserving Iran's territorial integrity and stability, viewing chaos in its neighbor as detrimental to broader regional security.

Çelik reiterated that foreign interventions have historically led to destructive outcomes, and attempts to exploit unrest in Iran through external pressure would only trigger deeper instability. He specifically highlighted Israel's actions in the region as demonstrating a pattern of fueling instability beyond its borders.