Turkey Weighs Joining Hormuz Mine-Clearing Mission

Turkey is quietly assessing whether to send experts to clear naval mines from the Strait of Hormuz, but only if Iran and the United States first reach a lasting peace deal. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan explained in London that any future clearance teams would consist of technical specialists from multiple countries, formed specifically after an Iran-US agreement. Ankara sees demining as a necessary humanitarian step to keep global oil shipments flowing. Fidan emphasized that Turkey is not ruling itself out, but would only move forward if the coalition of nations involved stays focused on the mine-removal task. The moment any member nation is pulled back into conflict, Turkey would step aside and reassess. This cautious approach reflects deeper concerns about regional stability after decades of tension around Iran’s nuclear activities.Behind the scenes, Fidan also expressed optimism that the next diplomatic round in Pakistan could resolve the nuclear standoff. He suggested that negotiators are close to a compromise that would satisfy both sides. However, he stopped short of predicting a breakthrough, leaving room for unexpected delays or setbacks. Critics wonder whether Turkey’s involvement might drag it into a proxy dispute rather than serve purely as a peace effort. Some analysts also question whether a demining fleet can truly remain neutral once warships from opposing sides sail the same waters. Still, Fidan framed the mission as a shared responsibility to protect international shipping lanes vital for energy supplies worldwide.