The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, has opened the door for his country to join international mine-clearing missions in the Strait of Hormuz in the future, provided that a peace agreement is reached beforehand between the United States and Iran.
From London, and in conversation with journalists, Fidan has explained that Ankara would be prepared to join a coalition dedicated to removing naval mines in the area once said agreement is sealed, calling this task a humanitarian effort.
However, the head of Turkish diplomacy has insisted that Turkey will not take part in operations that could drag the country into a new war scenario, nor will it assume roles that compromise its mediating role and its image as a conciliatory actor.
According to their calculations, in the most favorable scenario, Washington and Tehran could reach a broad pact that entails a negotiated return to the previous status quo, with the guarantee of safe, free, and toll-free transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
After the start of the attacks by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, Tehran responded by de facto blocking passage through the Strait of Hormuz and threatening to attack any ship that attempted to cross the maritime route without its authorization.
This closure generated strong disruptions in international trade, drove up energy prices, and fueled fears of fuel supply problems.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has become one of the central elements of the conversations to put an end to the conflict after the ceasefire came into effect on April 8.
A few days later, the United States decreed a blockade aimed at ships leaving or heading to Iranian ports, with the objective of cutting off key sources of income for Tehran. Trump unilaterally extended the ceasefire on Tuesday, but the restrictions on maritime traffic remain in force.