Turkey could be forced into a nuclear arms race if regional threats emerge, the foreign minister says

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey could be forced to join a nuclear arms race if new nuclear threats emerge in the region.

Speaking to CNN Türk, Fidan said the issue should be viewed within the broader strategic context, including discussions about the potential emergence of nuclear weapons in Iran.

He said countries with unresolved disputes with Iran could seek to acquire nuclear weapons if the regional balance were to shift.

“In such a scenario, we might inevitably have to join this race. I do not think that would be beneficial for the region,” Fidan said.

Asked directly whether Turkey would want to possess nuclear weapons, the minister declined to give a clear answer.