According to news reports published on social media today, Turkish leader Erdogan stated that if Iran succeeds in producing a nuclear bomb, Türkiye will not hesitate to join the nuclear arms race. Foreign Minister Fidan, meanwhile, warned that Ankara would not remain silent if the US intervened in Iran, adding that a potential operation against Iran could create a domino effect across the region.
Could Iran become another Iraq or Syria? The Iranian people may be facing severe economic hardship, but does this mean that an attack on Iran would be supported by the population? While Iran’s nuclear weapons pose a threat, could Iran remain an easy target for the US for a long time?
And did Turkey imply that a potential Iranian nuclear success could also be a threat to Turkey? If Iran succeeds in nuclear matters, why would Turkey join the nuclear arms race? Because Iran would remain a threat, and these statements may actually be a veiled, perhaps even a blank check, for the US to intervene in Iran.
Regarding Foreign Minister Fidan’s domino effect remarks, an attack on Iran would not create any domino effect in the region. In fact, apart from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, and China, no other country opposes a potential attack. If the USA intervenes, will these countries form a joint army and join Iran’s armed forces? What kind of support will they provide? Furthermore, not supporting a potential attack is one thing, but engaging in a conflict with the USA is entirely another. Countries will react similarly to their response to the kidnapping of Venezuelan leader Maduro; they might protest and condemn, but they won’t be able to confront the USA directly. Especially Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan…
However, an attack on Iran could also lead to a similar outcome for the USA as Afghanistan.