Hakan Fidan says reopening the Strait of Hormuz is more urgent than the nuclear issue, and expresses optimism on US-Iran talks.
Hakan Fidan says reopening the Strait of Hormuz is more urgent than the nuclear issue, and expresses optimism on US-Iran talks. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in a press conference in Berlin, Germany on May 18, 2026 .
/ AA Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said Türkiye would be willing to contribute to mine-clearing efforts in the Strait of Hormuz if requested by the parties involved, saying he remains optimistic about progress in US-Iran negotiations.
"If an agreement is reached between the parties, or if we are asked to contribute to the mine-clearing process, we would be pleased to do so," Fidan said in an interview with South Korean broadcaster He said Türkiye follows a consistent principle in conflict resolution, including during the Russia-Ukraine war. When the warring parties agree on a solution, and when we believe we can be part of that solution or are asked to facilitate it, we are ready to help," he said.
Fidan said he remains optimistic about ending the conflict, noting both the US and Iran want de-escalation. Asked about US President Donald Trump’s statement that a memorandum of understanding with Iran could be signed within a week, Fidan said he remained cautiously optimistic.
"I am optimistic because I am in regular consultations with both sides, with the mediator Pakistan, and with some other relevant actors in the region. He said technical details remain unresolved, but added that both sides have broadly agreed on the draft framework. Fidan said the Strait of Hormuz issue has become more urgent than the nuclear file due to its global economic and humanitarian impact.
"Due to the current situation, for the first time another issue has become more urgent and has risen above the nuclear file in importance: the condition of the Strait of Hormuz," he said. He warned that prolonged closure could trigger food shortages in parts of Africa and wider global disruption. Fidan said both Washington and Tehran want to prioritise reopening the strait before broader negotiations.
The minister said a third party is obstructing negotiations, naming Israel, and urged international pressure on Israel to support diplomacy.
"Israel currently believes that any agreement between the US and Iran in its present form would not serve Israeli interests. Fidan said one of the strongest diplomatic tools available to the international community was demonstrated during last year’s UN General Assembly vote on full membership for a Palestinian state, when 157 countries voted in favour.
One killed, four wounded in attack on Turkish fishing boat in Black SeaTürkiye beat Venezuela 2-1 as World Cup build-up gains momentumTürkiye pushing for lasting solution for persecuted Rohingya, foreign minister says in BangladeshHe said the overwhelming international opposition to what he described as genocide in Gaza should be used as leverage to pressure Israel.
"If the EU, the UN, other regional and international organisations and communities, and nation-states can come together and convey the same message to Israel - and act if Israel fails to respond - I believe we would have a 100 percent chance of success," he said. He warned that Israel’s regional policies pose global risks beyond the Middle East, including energy security and migration.
"Israel's conduct in the region, and the resulting expansionist and occupation policies that generate wars and displace populations, create major risks not only for the region but for the entire world, as we have seen in the attack against Iran," the minister said. Fidan said Israel considers itself immune due to historical reasons, adding, "They see themselves as exceptional. I think this is an illusion.
"The minister urged Israel to halt civilian deaths, lift restrictions on Gaza, and end occupations. Fidan said US presidents typically attend NATO summits and expects Donald Trump to do so in Ankara on July 7-8.
"The system we inherited does not allow us to properly address our problems," he said, stressing the need for reviewing the current system. He called for reform of the international order, warning that failure of cooperation would be a “great betrayal of humanity.
"Fidan said Türkiye and South Korea are discussing cooperation on the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant, recalling earlier talks with Korea Electric Power Corporation in 2008-2009. Fidan highlighted Türkiye-South Korea ties since the Korean War and said cooperation has deepened under a strategic partnership since 2012.
Fidan noted that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has attached great importance to cooperation with South Korea at all levels over the past 24 years and recalled that the two countries have maintained regular high-level exchanges. One killed, four wounded in attack on Turkish fishing boat in Black SeaTürkiye beat Venezuela 2-1 as World Cup build-up gains momentumTürkiye pushing for lasting solution for persecuted Rohingya, foreign minister says in BangladeshPentagon raises Israel espionage threat level to 'critical' status: reportsUS attacks 'Iranian radar sites' as Trump says Tehran left with 22% of its missilesTrump to meet top AI firms on possible government stake to address public concerns
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