Türkiye Renews Push for Russia-Ukraine Mediation, Welcomes U.S.-Iran Deal

Türkiye has renewed its offer to mediate between Kyiv and Moscow while warning Russia to avoid actions that threaten regional security and Turkish interests in the Black Sea.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Tuesday, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that Ankara’s immediate priority is the resumption of direct negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Fidan also welcomed the recent diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran, framing it as a critical milestone for Middle Eastern stability.

Black Sea Security and Ukraine Mediation

The bilateral talks in Moscow follow months of escalating tensions in the Black Sea, where Ukraine and Russia have traded accusations over drone strikes targeting commercial tankers near Türkiye’s northern coast.

Ankara previously logged formal protests with both combatants after a Türkiye-owned vessel was caught in the crossfire.

Fidan explicitly conveyed Türkiye’s expectation that Russia avoid incidents that damage Turkish interests, adding that both sides examined mechanisms to ensure regional navigational safety.

He reiterated that Ankara opposes all targeting of civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Türkiye, which is scheduled to host a NATO summit this July, has maintained functional relations with both Moscow and Kyiv since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Following an April request from Kyiv to host a leaders-level summit, Fidan confirmed that Ankara remains fully prepared to host subsequent rounds of structured, result-oriented peace talks if both parties consent.

Risk of Israeli Sabotage on U.S.-Iran Accord

Shifting focus to Middle Eastern geopolitics, Fidan extended support to the recent diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran.

He noted that the political will demonstrated by U.S. and Iranian leaders was vital to securing the preliminary accord.

Ankara expressed hope that the temporary calm will transition into a permanent, structural security architecture.

Fidan emphasized the necessity of protecting the agreement through its final signing and implementation stages, specifically warning against rhetoric that could damage the peace atmosphere and potential sabotage attempts by Israel to derail the process.

Fidan concluded by highlighting the strategic necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open to safe, free, and uninterrupted transit.

He stated that maintaining maritime access through the strait, matching pre-war conditions, remains vital for global energy security, international trade, and broader regional peace initiatives.

Türkiye credited Pakistan for its mediation efforts and acknowledged the supportive diplomatic roles played by Qatar and Saudi Arabia.