Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Monday evening that Turkey may consider joining a regional nuclear arms race due to concerns over Iran's nuclear weapons ambitions. Fidan, in an interview with CNN Türk, said Ankara does not wish to disrupt the fragile balance of power in the region, which could trigger nuclear competition. However, when asked whether Turkey would view Iran's nuclear development as a threat, he added, "We may inevitably have to join the same race." Currently, the United States is leading efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining weapons-grade nuclear capabilities. Turkey has accused Israel of possessing a nuclear arsenal, claiming it undermines regional stability. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations. Fidan noted that nuclear weapons development "must be viewed in a broader context," describing it as a "high-level strategic issue." Turkey does not have a nuclear weapons program and is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Turkey is currently building the first of three nuclear power plants for energy generation. According to Bloomberg Economics, "Iran's military nuclear program could trigger a chain reaction of proliferation in the region. Saudi Arabia has already expressed its intent to pursue nuclear capabilities, although it currently lacks the capacity." The analysis also noted, "Turkey and Egypt have shown interest in expanding their civilian nuclear programs. Such expansions could also carry proliferation risks." Regarding talks between the U.S. and Iran held in Oman last Friday, with further discussions planned this week, Fidan stated that airstrikes "would not lead to regime change in Tehran," adding that the Middle East cannot afford another war. "They are not building an atomic bomb," Fidan said of Iran. He also predicted that doubts about Washington's willingness to fulfill its security commitments to allies could trigger nuclear arms races in Asia and Europe in the future.