Diplomatic Row: Iraq Summons Turkish Ambassador Over Fidan’s "Sovereignty" Comments on Sinjar and Syria

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry summoned the Turkish Ambassador to Baghdad, Anil Bora Inan, on Wednesday to hand him a formal protest note following controversial remarks by Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. In a recent interview, Fidan suggested Iraq should "learn lessons" from the Syrian conflict and questioned Baghdad's ability to protect its territory from the PKK, hinting at potential military actions in Sinjar. Baghdad condemned these statements as a blatant interference in internal affairs and an affront to Iraq's democratic system.

Ambassador Inan attempted to de-escalate the tension, claiming the remarks were "misunderstood due to inaccurate translation." He emphasized that Turkey's policy remains committed to respecting Iraq's sovereignty and that Fidan’s focus was strictly on the PKK presence, not the Iraqi state. However, the Iraqi side maintained that the management of Sinjar is a "purely national matter," rejecting any foreign attempt to impose military or political solutions on Iraqi soil.