Hakan Fidan: Turkey will consider entering the race for nuclear weapons
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan indicated that the country may consider developing nuclear weapons in light of regional security concerns, particularly regarding Iran's ambitions.
In a recent interview with CNN Turk, Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan left open the possibility of his country developing nuclear weapons, claiming that Ankara may enter the regional race for nuclear armament due to concerns over Iran's military aspirations. Fidan dismissed claims that Iran is currently building an atomic bomb, though he acknowledged the potential threat that Iranian nuclear development poses. This statement highlights growing anxieties in the region regarding nuclear proliferation and security dynamics.
Fidan further suggested that doubts about the United States' commitment to security promises to its allies could ignite a nuclear arms race across Asia and Europe in the future. This perspective underscores Turkey's increasing unease with the changing landscape of international relations and the balancing act it must perform amid various geopolitical tensions. He emphasized that while Turkey does not wish to disrupt the fragile power balance in the region, the need to join the nuclear arms race could become an unavoidable reality.
The implications of Fidan's statement are significant, as they signal a potential shift in Turkey's defense strategy and its approach to regional security concerns. Should Turkey proceed with nuclear armament, it could lead to heightened tensions not only with Iran but also with other regional powers and NATO allies, challenging existing non-proliferation frameworks and possibly prompting a wider response from the international community regarding nuclear weapons policy in the Middle East region.