Hakan Fidan: Türkiye believes US, Iran sincerely want ceasefire, talks to continue

Türkiye believes the United States and Iran are sincerely interested in maintaining the ceasefire in the Middle East, keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and continuing negotiations, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in an interview with Bloomberg, Report informs.

He recalled that in the morning, US President Donald Trump had reported contacts with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and representatives of Hezbollah, and that, following these contacts, the sides agreed to observe the ceasefire in Lebanon.

"It appears that Israel has now abandoned a ground operation. Therefore, I think both sides can return to negotiations from where they left off. I hope they will be able to reach a mutual understanding within a few days," Fidan said.

Asked whether he was optimistic about the possibility of maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, Türkiye's foreign minister replied: "Both yes and no."

"I am confident that the Americans and Iranians sincerely want a ceasefire, the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the continuation of future negotiations, especially on the nuclear program and related issues. As for Israel, I do not see a desire in Tel Aviv to seek stability in the region. So I am not very sure about this issue," the minister stressed.

Asked about the possibility of the US abandoning negotiations and resuming strikes on Iran, Fidan said he hoped this scenario could be avoided.

According to him, mediators, Türkiye, Qatar and other participants in the process continue their efforts to help negotiations and ensure that the sides reach a mutual understanding.