Türkiye Supports Reopening Strait of Hormuz Through Peaceful Means

(MENAFN) Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan declared Monday that both Iran and the United States appear genuinely committed to reaching a ceasefire, but cautioned that Israel poses a significant risk of disrupting the fragile diplomatic process, in remarks delivered to a state-run outlet.

Fidan affirmed that the international community demands free and uninterrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that Ankara supports reopening the critical waterway exclusively through peaceful means — warning that any armed international intervention would encounter "serious challenges."

Turning to regional flashpoints, Fidan drew sharp parallels between Israel's military conduct in Lebanon and its campaign in Gaza, accusing Tel Aviv of systematically dismantling housing and civilian infrastructure as part of what he characterized as a deliberate "depopulation campaign." He further warned that Israeli strikes inside Syria represent a "major problem area" and pose a "serious risk" to Turkish national security, noting that Israel is currently refraining from certain actions in Syria due to the ongoing Iran conflict — but cautioned that "it may act when conditions allow."

On the broader regional order, Fidan called on Middle Eastern nations to formally commit to mutual respect for territorial integrity, sovereignty, and collective security "under a regional security pact."

Addressing Israel's strategic posture directly, Fidan issued a pointed warning: "We see that Israel may seek to designate Türkiye as a new adversary after Iran, as it cannot sustain itself without an enemy."

He also criticized the growing trilateral alignment between Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration, and Israel, stating the partnership "does not bring more trust, it brings more mistrust. It brings more problems and war."

On transatlantic affairs, Fidan described the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara as potentially "one of the most important in alliance's history," urging member states to seize the occasion "to systemize NATO-US relations." He further stressed that Türkiye must assume a central role as a "key actor" in shaping perspectives, constructing frameworks, and implementing a broader European security architecture.

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