ISTANBUL

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday emphasized that close coordination and regular consultations between Türkiye and Iran are essential to address regional challenges.

Speaking to Iranian state TV during his official visit to Istanbul, Araghchi said the trip, planned months in advance, follows Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit and aims to discuss bilateral, regional, and international issues.

“Iran and Türkiye are major neighboring countries that have always maintained close consultations. We share strong ties in political, economic, social, and cultural fields, and regularly consult on regional matters,” Araghchi said.

He noted that objectives set by the US and other actors make it necessary for the two countries to coordinate positions, review regional developments, and exchange views on how to tackle current challenges.

Commenting on Europe’s recent decision to designate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization, Araghchi criticized the move as a “major strategic mistake.”

“Europe is a continent in decline and is increasingly losing its role on the international stage, a process that unfortunately is accelerating,” he said.

Araghchi added that such decisions perpetuate previous strategic errors, such as Europe's handling of the so-called "snapback" mechanism, and that Europe will eventually admit its mistake.

He is scheduled to meet with both Fidan and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the visit.