Turkey open to Strait of Hormuz demining role

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey could consider taking part in multinational demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz following a possible peace agreement between Iran and the United States. Speaking to reporters in London on Friday evening, Fidan said Turkey would have "no problem" with participating in a technical team from various countries tasked with clearing naval mines in the strait, describing such work as a "humanitarian" effort in principle. However, Fidan cautioned that Turkey would reassess its position if any future technical coalition of countries became a party to renewed conflict, and Ankara would avoid any role implying alignment if hostilities resume. The foreign minister also said he believed issues related to Iran's nuclear program could be resolved at the next round of talks in Pakistan. The comments come as the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil passes, has become a major sticking point in negotiations to end the war after a ceasefire began on April 8. Following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, Iran responded by effectively blocking the waterway, threatening to attack vessels that did not obtain its permission to transit, causing major disruptions to global trade and sending energy prices soaring. The U.S. subsequently implemented its own blockade affecting ships coming from or heading to Iranian ports in an effort to cut Tehran off from key revenue streams. While President Trump unilaterally extended the ceasefire on Tuesday, the American blockade remains in place, and both Fidan and Iranian officials have indicated that the reopening of the strait remains a central issue in ongoing peace discussions.