ANKARA, 7 April 2026 — Turkey has expressed concern over the possibility of new regulations governing transit through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that proposals from Iran or the United States could complicate efforts to reopen the critical global energy route.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said diplomacy should remain the primary path to reopening the strait, following weekend talks between Washington and Tehran that failed to reach an agreement to end hostilities.
Hormuz should be reopened through negotiations, he said, adding that mediators should use “convincing methods” in discussions with Iran and ensure the waterway resumes operations as soon as possible.
“Nobody wants” the strait to become part of the war, Fidan said.
Concerns Over International Military Intervention
Fidan also voiced scepticism about proposals to deploy an international force to reopen the strait, citing operational and political challenges.
“There are many difficulties to intervening here with an international armed force. Especially as the war continues, how much will it narrow, expand? We see many countries are not keen on this,” he said.
He added that uncertainty remains over whether Iran may introduce new regulations, warning that Tehran could decide to become “more active” in controlling transit through the strategic waterway.
Global Energy Route Under Pressure
Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks, disrupting a route through which about one-fifth of global energy supplies pass, sending energy prices higher.
The U.S. military has said it would begin a blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, while Washington has sought support from allies to help reopen the strait, though few countries have expressed interest.
Fidan said both the United States and Iran appeared “sincere” in ceasefire discussions but warned that negotiations could face difficulties if approached from an “all-or-nothing” stance on Iran’s nuclear enrichment programme.
He also confirmed he had been in contact with U.S. and Pakistani officials involved in mediation efforts.
