Ibrahim Kalin, head of Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT), warned against renewed military attacks on Iran by US or Israeli forces, stressing that the diplomatic solution currently under consideration offers a "fair" way forward for both sides.
Speaking at a conference in Ankara organized by the Center for Middle East Studies (ORSAM) and the University of Oxford, Kalin noted that diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran had made tangible progress, but warned that further military escalation could trigger a new regional spiral.
"The issue of Iran remains very sensitive for everyone - for the entire region. We are trying very hard to prevent another attack on Iran by the US or the US in alliance with Israel," Kalin said, according to operational transcripts.
The intelligence chief said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan personally conveyed Ankara's position to US President Donald Trump in a phone call two days ago, urging the White House to refrain from ordering the attacks.
"Our president spoke with President Trump just two days ago about this issue, and he again urged him not to take action," Kalin added. This will complicate the situation, because if the US, alone or together with Israel, attacks Iran again, we will return to this vicious circle."