A diplomatic falling out between Turkey and Iran escalated on Tuesday as Ankara summoned a senior Iranian diplomat – the latest development in a war of words between officials from the neighbouring countries.

Iran and Turkey have summoned each other’s diplomats for discussions, officials said Tuesday, after Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized Tehran’s policy of supporting militias in Syria and elsewhere.

FILE - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan speaks during a press conference in Ankara, Turkey, on Feb. 24, 2025. Fidan's recent criticism of Iranian support for militias in the Middle East triggered diplomatic discussions with the countries' ambassadors.

Turkey summoned Iran's chargé d'affaires following Iran's public criticism of Turkish policies. Iran had earlier summoned Turkey's ambassador after Turkey warned Tehran against destabilizing Syria. Turkey emphasized that foreign policy should not be manipulated for domestic political gain.