Mrs. Behrouz Azar, the Vice President for Women and Family Affairs of I.R.I, and Mrs. Mahinur Özdemir Göktaş, Minister of Family and Social Services of the Republic of Turkey held a telephone conversation on Monday (4 March 2026) to advance public diplomacy, shed light on the crimes of the U.S.-Israel military aggression against Iran, notably women and children, and clarify the legitimate right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to defend its territorial integrity and its people.

While congratulating Turkey’s “National Sovereignty and Children’s Day,” Mrs. Behrouz Azar appreciated the government and people of Turkey for condemning the U.S.-Israel military aggression against Iran. Furthermore, she highlighted the necessity to employ international capacities to protect human rights and global security.

Then, she pointed out the effects of the imposed war on the Iranian people, particularly women and girls. She also stressed that the Islamic world has witnessed extensive atrocities committed by the Zionist regime against women and children, especially in Gaza and Lebanon, in recent years, and regrettably, many countries have simply stood by as observers of these catastrophes.

While expressing sympathy with the Iranian nation, Turkey’s Minister of Family and Social Services offered her condolences for the martyrdom of the Supreme Leader of Iran, Iranian citizens, commanders, students, and teachers. She emphasized that from the perspective of International Law and Human Rights, targeting educational, religious, and civilian centers is unacceptable.

She said that she had addressed the situation in Iran at the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), both in her speech and in bilateral meetings with officials from other countries.  

Referring to the psychological and social impacts of war on women and children, she noted that the heaviest burdens of war fall on women, children, and the elderly. We are ready to offer our social, medical, and supportive assistance, especially in the area of post-war trauma. She also announced that Turkey is willing to finalize a memorandum of understanding between the two countries on women and family affairs.

At the end, both sides emphasized the development of bilateral cooperation and utilizing the regional and international capacities to support women and children affected by war. Besides, Dr. Behrouz Azar invited Mrs. Göktaş to come and visit Iran to get familiar with the capabilities of Iranian women and girls in different cultural, economic, scientific, and social fields.