ANKARA, Apr 13 : Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Monday struck an optimistic note with a caution that a resolution to the Strait of Hormuz issue could be achieved in the near future, though he indicated that “changes to its regulation” are likely.
“I believe there will not be any problems with opening the Strait of Hormuz; at least, we will be able to resolve the issue in the near future,” he told Anadolu news agency.
“A different situation will arise, regulating the Strait. Innovations are possible here. What initiatives will Iran put forward How will they be received We need to be clear on this,” Fidan said while highlighting that Iran is mulling to impose new regulatory regime on Hormuz.
Fidan raised concerns over proposals by Iran and the counter-proposals by the United States to introduce new regulations for transiting the strategic waterway.
He specifically warned that establishing an international force to oversee the Strait’s reopening would face “significant challenges.”
Speaking on Turkey’s role in ongoing diplomacy, Fidan said Ankara is maintaining constant communication with Washington, Tehran, and mediator Pakistan to overcome obstacles in the negotiations.
He emphasized that the Strait should be reopened through diplomatic channels, especially after recent US-Iran talks failed to end hostilities.
“We are currently in constant contact with the parties to overcome the difficulties and obstacles that arise in the negotiation process,” Fidan said, according to the Anadolu news agency.
The Turkish minister also suggested the possibility of extending the existing truce between Washington and Tehran by 45 to 60 days, allowing more time for dialogue and negotiation.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil passes, has been a flashpoint in regional tensions, making a diplomatic resolution crucial for global energy security.
The Unified Command of the Iranian Armed Forces on Monday issued a stark warning in response to the US naval blockade, declaring that the security of ports across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman is under direct threat.
Tehran stressed that any aggression toward Iranian ports could trigger regional instability, declaring these strategic waters are “either for everyone or for no one.”
“The Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran consider defending the legal rights of our country a natural and legal duty, and accordingly, exercising the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the territorial waters of our country is the natural right of the Iranian nation,” IRIB cited Iran’s forces as stating.
“Enemy-affiliated vessels” will not have the right to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while other vessels will be allowed passage, subject to regulations by Tehran, said the statement.
“The criminal US’s imposition of restrictions on the movement of vessels in international waters is an illegal act and amounts to piracy”.
It stated that if the security of the ports is threatened, no port in the region “will be safe.”
State broadcaster IRIB highlighted what it portrayed as inconsistent US positions on the Strait of Hormuz: “America on odd days: We don’t use the Strait of Hormuz. We don’t care. Let others keep it open! America on even days: If Iran doesn’t keep the Strait of Hormuz open, we’ll respond harshly!”
(UNI)
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