Fidan: Sticking Points in Tehran-Washington Talks Could Be Resolved Soon
Tehran (ISNA) - Hakan Fidan told reporters following an event at Oxford University that one or two key issues in the Iran-U.S. negotiations—particularly within the nuclear file—could soon be resolved as talks resume.
Fidan’s remarks come amid intensifying media speculation regarding the resumption of negotiations following Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi’s visit to Pakistan, which hosted the first round of talks after the initial ceasefire. While the Iranian side has stated that Araghchi’s meetings in Islamabad are focused on bilateral consultations regarding regional developments and the ceasefire, Fidan expressed optimism that diplomatic progress could ease broader tensions.
The Turkish Foreign Minister emphasized that Ankara is in contact with all sides "almost every day" and is striving to contribute effectively to the process. He welcomed the extension of the ceasefire, noting that while the initial two-week window was insufficient for a final agreement, the extension is a positive step toward reducing regional friction, including issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz—which was restricted for hostile vessels following the illegal U.S.-Zionist attacks against Iran, while remainining conditional for other commercial traffic—Fidan stated: "Türkiye would not oppose technical and humanitarian steps such as mine clearance in a post-conflict setting. however, if any operation appeared to place Ankara on one side of a renewed conflict, it would take a different position."
The maritime situation grew tense after the U.S. military initiated an illegal naval blockade of Iran following the stalemate of the first round of Islamabad talks on April 12 (23 Farvardin). In response, Iran, which had conditionally reopened the Strait of Hormuz under the supervision of its armed forces during the ceasefire, announced that the waterway's status would revert to previous restrictive conditions due to the U.S. violation of commitments.
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