According to an Iran International English report of Monday night of 9 February 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has disclosed new details about a tense episode in June 2025, describing how a sudden warning from the United States (US) preceded Israeli military strikes on Iran, even as diplomatic contacts were underway.
Speaking in an interview with CNN Turk, Fidan said that the developments unfolded rapidly, and caught regional actors off guard. According to the Turkish foreign minister, Ankara was informed of the looming escalation only hours before the attacks began, despite prior expectations that diplomatic engagement was still on track.
“One night in June 2025, we received a phone call from the US Secretary of State (Rubio) who said, ‘Tell the Iranians, anything can happen in a few hours’,” Fidan said.
He explained that Turkey immediately relayed the message to Tehran, where officials were surprised by the warning. At the time, Iranian authorities believed discussions were proceeding as planned, and did not anticipate an imminent military move.
“I talked to my Iranian counterpart, and he said, ‘How can that be possible? We had set a date for the meeting.’ It was the US that was talking, and Israel that was striking,” Fidan told CNN Turk.
Fidan’s remarks highlight the disconnect between diplomatic signals and military action during the episode, as well as Turkey’s role as a regional intermediary seeking to ease tensions. Ankara has often positioned itself as a bridge between Western powers and Iran, maintaining communication channels even during periods of heightened confrontation.
The foreign minister suggested that the June 2025 incident demonstrated how quickly circumstances can change in the region, leaving little room for de-escalation once decisions are set in motion. He noted that the warning from Washington, while brief, signalled the seriousness of the situation and the limited time available to react.
Fidan also addressed current concerns, indicating that regional actors are now facing a different set of conditions, though risks remain high. He stressed that Turkey is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing a repeat of such scenarios and reducing the likelihood of wider conflict.
“This time the situation may be different. We are doing everything we can to prevent a disaster.”
Turkey has repeatedly called for restraint and dialogue in the Middle East, warning that further escalation could have severe consequences beyond the immediate parties involved.
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