Turkey’s foreign minister expressed optimism on Monday regarding Iran and the United States’ commitment to achieving a ceasefire despite the recent breakdown of talks mediated by Pakistan over the weekend. The unsuccessful negotiations dashed hopes for a prompt resolution to the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in numerous casualties and significant disruptions to the global economy since its onset in late February.
Hakan Fidan, in an interview with the official Anadolu news agency, stated that both parties displayed sincerity in their pursuit of a ceasefire, emphasizing his ongoing engagement with the involved parties. However, he cautioned against the potential interference of Israel as a disruptive element in the process.
President Donald Trump attributed the talks’ collapse to Iran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear program. Fidan expressed his belief that Iran would review the American proposal and respond accordingly, highlighting the potential challenges if the nuclear issue, particularly regarding enrichment, becomes a decisive factor.
Despite Turkey’s critical stance towards Israel, the country collaborated with Egypt and Pakistan in diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing a ceasefire. Trump’s announcement of a blockade at the strategic Strait of Hormuz heightened concerns about energy supplies from the Middle East.
Fidan advocated for diplomatic negotiations with Iran, emphasizing the importance of employing persuasion methods and promptly reopening the strait. He noted that while the status of the Strait of Hormuz remained a significant point of contention, a resolution could potentially be reached within a few weeks through agreement.
The foreign minister underscored the significance of maintaining the international free passage zone and avoiding disruptions to freedom of navigation, echoing similar sentiments expressed by regional countries. He emphasized the collective desire to preserve the post-war order akin to the pre-war arrangement due to significant interests and expectations at stake.