Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said a US-Iran agreement is “closer than ever” and that talks have shifted toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz before returning to the nuclear file, according to an interview published by Nikkei Asia on Saturday.
Fidan, who spoke to the outlet in Ankara, stated that both Washington and Tehran sought to conclude the negotiations with a deal.
“Both sides want to reach a positive conclusion,” he said.
Turkey is supporting Pakistan’s efforts to mediate between the US and Iran, along with other regional countries, including Qatar.
Pointing to a ceasefire that is in place between Iran, the US and Israel, Fidan said that discussions are now focused on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for oil shipments that has been disrupted since the end of February.
The parties have outlined a plan under which a final agreement on reopening the strait would be followed by talks on Iran’s nuclear program, he said.
The de facto blockade of Hormuz is “putting too much pressure” on both the US and Iran, Fidan said, adding that the impact on energy security, food security and prices had made the issue a priority.
“This has become a situation that takes priority over the nuclear files,” he said.
Fidan also said a US-Iran agreement to end hostilities could speed up talks on a peace plan for Gaza.