Türkiye could enter nuclear race due to Iran - Statement made in Ankara

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Ankara does not wish to disrupt the tenuous balance of power in the region, which could trigger nuclear competition, Fidan said in an interview with CNN Turk. But "we may inevitably have to join the same race," he added, in response to whether Turkey would see Iran’s development of nuclear weapons as a threat.

The statement comes amid US-led efforts to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Türkiye has also repeatedly criticized Israel for its nuclear arsenal, viewing it as a destabilizing factor, though Israel traditionally neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons.

Fidan emphasized that nuclear issues should be considered in a “broader strategic context” and called them a top-level concern. He noted that Türkiye currently has no nuclear weapons program and is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, while continuing to develop civilian nuclear energy, including the construction of the first of three planned nuclear power plants.

Iran's nuclear program and 'domino effect'

Bloomberg Economics analysts warn that a military nuclear program in Iran could trigger a "domino effect" across the region. Saudi Arabia has already indicated its readiness to develop its own nuclear program, though it currently lacks the necessary technological capabilities.

Interest in expanding civilian nuclear programs is also seen in Türkiye and Egypt, potentially raising risks of nuclear technology proliferation. Türkiye remains a key part of NATO’s nuclear infrastructure; the Incirlik airbase in Adana province previously stored dozens of US nuclear warheads, although Ankara cannot independently use or deploy them.

Fidan also commented on recent US-Iran talks in Oman, which are expected to continue soon, noting that airstrikes alone cannot change the regime in Tehran. "They are not creating an atomic bomb," he said, referring to Iran.

He added that doubts about the US fulfilling its security commitments to allies could in the future provoke a new nuclear race not only in the Middle East but also in Europe and Asia.

Tensions between Iran and US

The US and Iran remain in a strained relationship, largely due to Washington’s demand that Tehran abandon uranium enriched to 60%, which is close to the 90% level considered weapons-grade. Iran continues to insist on its right to enrich nuclear fuel, although it allowed, as of February 10, the dilution of uranium enriched to 60% only if all financial sanctions are fully lifted.

Last year, the US and Iran held five rounds of negotiations on limiting Tehran’s nuclear program, but talks stalled over disagreements regarding uranium enrichment. The date and location for the next round of US-Iran talks have not yet been determined.