Fidan: Strait of Hormuz vital for global energy security

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has underscored the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the safe and unhindered passage of vessels through the waterway is indispensable for regional stability, worldwide energy supply chains and the broader global trading system. His remarks came during a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following bilateral talks in Moscow, where the two diplomats reviewed recent developments in the Gulf region.

Türkiye’s backing for the US-Iran accord

Fidan described the recently concluded agreement between Washington and Tehran as a significant diplomatic breakthrough, expressing Ankara’s full support for the ongoing process. Echoing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s earlier statements, the minister said he hopes the current détente will evolve into a permanent and structural security framework rather than a fleeting respite from tensions. “As our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has also emphasized, our greatest hope is that this step, which has given our region and the entire world some breathing room, will evolve into a structural and lasting security architecture rather than a temporary period of calm,” he stated.

Warnings against spoilers and sabotage

As the parties move toward the final signing stage, Fidan issued a clear warning against rhetoric or actions that could jeopardize the fragile peace. He specifically pointed to potential sabotage attempts by Israel, urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant. “During the sensitive period leading up to the final signatures, it is essential to avoid rhetoric that could poison the atmosphere of peace and any possible sabotage attempts by Israel aimed at derailing the process,” he said. The minister reaffirmed Türkiye’s determination to contribute to a broader regional peace process, pledging that Ankara will remain actively engaged in supporting diplomatic initiatives.

Appreciation for mediators and commercial priorities

Fidan also acknowledged the mediation roles played by Pakistan, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, commending their constructive engagement in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran. Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, he reiterated that maintaining the waterway’s accessibility for all commercial and military vessels, as was the case prior to the war, is vital for global energy supplies and international maritime commerce. With approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil passing through the strait, Ankara views the freedom of navigation in these waters as a priority that transcends regional borders.