US-Iran deal awaits technical resolution: Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said in Moscow that the United States and Iran have reached a principled understanding on key elements of a potential nuclear agreement, though technical teams remain divided over the fate of Tehran's 400-kilogram stockpile of enriched uranium. Speaking to journalists during his visit to Russia, Fidan noted that negotiators still needed to determine who would dilute the material, who would oversee the process, and how international verification would proceed. "There is a principled understanding regarding the dilution of 400 kilograms of enriched uranium in Iran. But who will carry out the dilution, who will oversee it, and how it will be verified still need to be discussed," he said.

The Turkish foreign minister added that wartime conditions, mutual distrust, and Israel's occupation of Lebanon had slowed the diplomatic pace considerably, observing that while Washington could respond within hours, Iranian officials sometimes required a week to reply. Fidan said he had encouraged both capitals to engage in direct talks to overcome these friction points and accelerate progress toward a final settlement.

Israel and Gaza Context

Fidan sharply criticized Israel's regional policies during his remarks, describing them as "a global problem" that threatens wider stability and security. "Israel wants destruction in the region. It wants to occupy some countries and employ terrorism. This has consequences for global security as well as the economy," he said, adding that diplomatic backlash against Jerusalem was increasing worldwide.

The conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel has shifted international attention away from Gaza, Fidan observed, though he expressed hope that regional powers would refocus on the enclave once tensions eased. He confirmed that Türkiye's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) continues to participate in efforts to frame the second phase of Gaza ceasefire negotiations alongside other international actors.

NATO Summit Preparations

Preparations are underway for the NATO summit scheduled for July 7-8 in Ankara, where alliance leaders expect to address fundamental questions regarding transatlantic security cooperation and burden-sharing. Fidan indicated that many European allies believe Türkiye's hosting of the meeting represents the primary factor securing US President Donald Trump's attendance at the gathering. "Many European countries say that the fact the meeting will be hosted by our president in Türkiye is the most important factor making President Trump's participation possible," Fidan said.

"If it were not for our president and if it were not Türkiye, Trump would not attend and would have effectively declared that he does not attach importance to the summit." The foreign minister emphasized that crucial decisions regarding the alliance's future cannot be made without American participation, noting that the summit would reveal how differences between US and European approaches to collective defense might manifest in practice.

Russia Ties and Caucasus

Fidan characterized his discussions in Moscow as productive, stating that no major disputes hinder bilateral cooperation between Türkiye and Russia despite open disagreements on difficult regional issues. Both nations seek to expand collaboration through continued high-level visits, he noted, describing the relationship as "very special" in its ability to withstand serious differences and maintain trust.

On the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan reported that Moscow's position remains fixed on the Donetsk question, with Russian officials indicating no settlement is possible until that territorial issue is resolved to their satisfaction. "During my meetings in Russia, I observed that Russian officials' views on Ukraine have not changed. They say, 'There is no chance of this happening until the Donetsk issue is resolved,'" he said.

Regarding the South Caucasus, Fidan announced that regional powers had agreed to activate the 3+3 platform involving Türkiye, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, and Georgia as a mechanism to strengthen cooperation over competition. He confirmed that recent trilateral discussions between Azerbaijan, Türkiye, and Georgia had focused on Middle Corridor connectivity, while normalization efforts with Armenia continue through direct trade and flights established under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership.