Turkish, UK top diplomats discuss efforts to end war, secure peace

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his British counterpart, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, held a telephone conversation Tuesday to coordinate diplomatic efforts toward ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, according to a statement from the Turkish Foreign Ministry. The two top diplomats reviewed initiatives aimed at halting hostilities and establishing a sustainable peace in the region. They also discussed the current state of bilateral relations between Türkiye and the UK, reaffirming their commitment to close cooperation.

Diplomatic push amid Trump’s deadline

The call comes at a critical juncture, as US President Donald Trump has given Iran until 8 p.m. Eastern Time Tuesday (0000GMT Wednesday) to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and reach an agreement, or face attacks on its energy infrastructure. The ultimatum has heightened tensions and underscored the urgent need for diplomatic intervention. Both Fidan and Cooper are understood to share concerns that a military escalation targeting Iranian energy sites could trigger a wider regional war and disrupt global energy supplies.

Rising death toll and Türkiye’s role

Regional tensions have escalated sharply since the US and Israel launched their joint offensive on Iran on February 28, which has killed more than 1,400 people to date, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, while also restricting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Türkiye has positioned itself as a key mediator, maintaining communication channels with all parties involved. Ankara continues to urge an immediate ceasefire and a return to diplomacy, warning that no military solution exists for the current crisis.