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Turkish FM outlines two possible scenarios for Strait of Hormuz

24 April 2026 23:55 (UTC +04:00)

Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said he believes key sticking points in negotiations over nuclear issues could soon be overcome, as diplomatic talks are set to resume during the weekend in Islamabad.

“As talks on Iran war set to resume tomorrow, I believe that one or two issues—particularly those that had been deadlocked in the nuclear dossier—can be resolved,” Fidan told journalists after his program at Oxford University.

Fidan said Türkiye was in almost daily contact with all parties involved in the negotiations and welcomed recent steps toward extending a fragile ceasefire.

“We welcomed the initial two-week ceasefire, but we also said at the time that it would not be enough to reach a final agreement,” he said. “That ceasefire has now been extended.”

“We are trying to contribute positively and provide encouragement to all sides,” he added.

He noted that progress in the nuclear talks could also ease wider regional tensions, including those related to the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Hormuz Strait: diplomacy or escalation

Outlining two possible scenarios for the Gulf waterway, Fidan said the first involved a negotiated return to the previous status quo, ensuring free maritime passage without restrictions or additional costs.

"The second scenario is that if negotiations fail to produce results, the war continues, or other problems arise, the issue becomes how to address the problematic areas in the Strait of Hormuz. The concept of identifying problematic areas in the Strait of Hormuz is a different concept. There are aspects that align with our foreign policy and aspects that do not. Our President is clear on this matter," he continued.

“If Iran and the Americans reach an agreement and peace is achieved, a coalition could carry out technical work there, including mine clearance,” he said.

He added that Türkiye would not oppose such humanitarian and technical operations in a post-conflict environment.

However, he cautioned that Ankara would take a different stance if any operation appeared to involve taking sides in a renewed conflict.

“Our sensitivities are clear,” he said. “If there is a situation where we are seen as part of a conflict again, our position would be different.”

Fidan said partners understood Türkiye’s approach and reiterated that mine clearance remained the immediate priority, describing it as a humanitarian task benefiting all sides.