ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Sunday stated that issues regarding Iran’s nuclear program must be resolved with dialogue and that the “unfair sanctions” linked to it should be eliminated.

Fidan arrived in Tehran on an official visit on Sunday, received by his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

“These issues should be resolved through dialogue,” Fidan stated during a joint presser, referring to Iran’s uranium enrichment program.

Iran’s nuclear program has been a source of concern to Western states who fear Tehran’s potential abuse of power and enhanced influence in the region should it acquire nuclear weapons.

The signing of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear deal, came to alleviate the concerns of Western powers while providing Iran with sanctions relief.

The UN reimposed the crippling sanctions on Iran in September, accusing Tehran of not fulfilling its obligations. Tehran then declared the termination of the nuclear deal’s commitments.

The Turkish top diplomat said that “Turkey has always stood with Iran and will continue to stand with Iran within the framework of international law,” asserting that “these unfair sanctions should be lifted."

The US and Western powers have for years demanded a full termination of Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran, however, claims its uranium enrichment is used for “peaceful purposes,” and refuses to halt its activity, in addition to demanding the lifting of sanctions.

Earlier this month, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country is rebuilding its nuclear facilities “with greater strength,” following the damage caused by the US and Israel during the 12 Day War.