Turkey and Iran discuss regional tensions following US strikes

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held a telephone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on September 16, 2026, to discuss regional instability. The discussions focused on recent military escalations, including United States strikes on targets within Iran. These strikes emerged from a conflict that began in February 2026 following disputes over maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

In response to the American strikes, Tehran has conducted operations against what it describes as US military facilities and equipment located in various Arab nations. These retaliatory actions have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure.

Simultaneously, fighting in Yemen has intensified between government forces and Houthi rebels. This surge in violence has occurred since July 2026, marking a significant departure from the relative calm that followed the April 2022 truce.