Turkey Eyes Hormuz Demining if Iran-US Peace Deal Reached

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on April 25 that Turkey would consider participating in demining operations in the Strait of Hormuz if Iran and the United States reach a peace agreement, framing the effort as a humanitarian initiative to clear mines from the vital waterway.

Fidan made the comments during a meeting with reporters in London on Friday evening. He explained that a multinational technical team would likely handle the mineclearing work once any such agreement takes effect. "Turkey views such efforts positively in principle as a humanitarian duty," Fidan said, adding that his country would have no objection to joining the operations under those circumstances.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, serves as a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, with about 20 percent of the world's supply passing through it daily. Mines in the area stem from longstanding regional conflicts, including tensions between Iran and Western powers, which have periodically disrupted shipping and heightened security concerns. A successful demining operation could restore safe navigation and ease economic pressures on...