ANTALYA: Turkey has expressed optimism that the current ceasefire between the United States and Iran will be extended beyond its Wednesday deadline, allowing more time for negotiations to continue.
Speaking at the conclusion of a three-day diplomatic forum in Antalya, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said there is growing international pressure on both sides to maintain the truce and avoid renewed conflict.
“No one wants to see a new war break out when the ceasefire expires next week,” Fidan said, adding that he remains hopeful the parties will agree to prolong the arrangement.
Pakistan is currently playing a central role in facilitating further rounds of talks between Washington and Tehran after initial discussions last weekend ended without a breakthrough. Turkey, along with Egypt, has backed Islamabad’s efforts to sustain dialogue and prevent escalation.
Fidan said he had spoken with Pakistani officials regarding the next phase of negotiations but did not confirm when they would take place. He noted that the broader international community strongly favors continued engagement.
“Given the level of global pressure, there should be no obstacle to extending the ceasefire to allow peace talks to proceed,” he said, adding that a positive outcome remains possible if both sides avoid confrontational steps.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, Iranian officials have cautioned that a final agreement is still distant, indicating that negotiations have reached a sensitive stage.
Separately, Fidan criticized Israel over its actions in Lebanon, accusing it of attempting to create new realities on the ground despite an existing ceasefire. He warned that ongoing regional tensions risk being overshadowed by the focus on US-Iran negotiations.
The Turkish minister reiterated concerns about broader instability in the region, emphasizing the need for sustained diplomatic efforts to avoid further escalation.