FM: Türkiye may have to join nuclear race if region destabilises

Türkiye could find itself compelled to join a nuclear arms race if additional states in the region acquire nuclear weapons, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on February 9 while speaking on CNN Türk.

Commenting on concerns surrounding the possible development of nuclear weapons by Iran, Fidan stressed that the issue should be viewed within the broader strategic environment. He said Ankara does not want to see sharp shifts in the regional balance of power that could destabilize the existing security architecture.

“This issue must be assessed in the context of the overall strategic situation. To be honest, we do not want to witness dramatic changes in the region that could upset the current balance of power. Countries that have unresolved problems with Iran will begin to seek nuclear weapons. And we may, unwillingly, be forced to join this race,” Fidan said.

Asked directly by the program’s host whether Türkiye itself would like to possess nuclear weapons in principle, the foreign minister did not give a verbal answer, instead responding with silence and a smile.

At present, nuclear weapons are held by Russia, the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea. Iran, for its part, maintains a nuclear program and has developed a broad scientific and industrial base related to nuclear energy. However, Tehran consistently denies pursuing nuclear weapons, arguing that such an objective would contradict its declared political course.

By Tamilla Hasanova