Turkish Minister Demands Free Transit in Strait of Hormuz

The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, demanded safe, uninterrupted, and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a swift return to the pre-war status quo, while warning about the risk of further expansion of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

During a joint press conference in Baku with his Azerbaijani counterpart, Jeyhun Bayramov, Fidan noted that developments in neighboring Iran directly affect Turkey and Azerbaijan.

"The security, stability, and prosperity of Iran naturally have a direct impact on our region. In this regard, we hope that the current conflict will be resolved through diplomatic means as soon as possible," he stated.

Fidan argued that the increase in reciprocal attacks has severely undermined peace efforts, urging an immediate halt to actions that fuel regional tensions.

"At the same time, safe, uninterrupted, and free transit through the Strait of Hormuz must be allowed, and the pre-conflict status quo must be restored as soon as possible," the minister declared, adding that Ankara maintains permanent contact with all parties involved to resolve the crisis.

Referring to the war between Russia and Ukraine, the foreign minister highlighted Turkey's efforts since the beginning of hostilities to keep the Black Sea out of the fighting, mainly through the strict application of the Montreux Convention and the promotion of the Black Sea Grain Initiative.

"However, the increase in attacks against merchant vessels in the Black Sea over recent months has seriously harmed the safety of human life, property, navigation, and the environment in the area," Fidan warned, recalling that Turkish and Azerbaijani sailors have lost their lives in these incidents.

"The extension of the war to the Black Sea and the threat it poses to the lives of our citizens and the operations of our companies is unacceptable," he added.

The diplomat indicated that Turkey has already conveyed the corresponding warnings to the parties and is confident of reaching agreements if there is political will. He also cited President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's stance, emphasizing that "even the worst peace is preferable to war itself."

Fidan warned that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict has intensified considerably over the past year, evolving from a "war of attrition" to a "war of destruction," with a growing impact on commercial infrastructure and civilian casualties.

"The geographical expansion of the war is the last thing we want to see," the minister asserted, warning that, if a ceasefire is not reached, food security, energy prices, and environmental stability will suffer greater pressures.

Fidan also underscored the strategic alliance between Turkey and Azerbaijan under the principle of "one nation, two states," highlighting the central role of logistical and energy infrastructure.

He defined the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway as a key axis of the Central Corridor and detailed connectivity plans through Nakhchivan, including the Zangezur Corridor and the Kars-Igdir-Aralik-Dilucu railway section.

"God willing, the Kars-Dilucu railway will be completed by the end of 2029. In this way, a train coming from Azerbaijan will be able to reach Turkey without interruptions," the minister explained. Fidan stressed that this project will enhance the access of the Turkic world to Anatolia and Europe, while also facilitating Turkish connectivity with Central Asia across the Caspian Sea.

The foreign minister supported the progress towards a definitive peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia in the South Caucasus and confirmed that the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States will meet in Ankara on October 29, prior to the organization's 13th Summit on October 30.

"We see this summit as a historic step that will consolidate the common vision of the Turkic world for the future," Fidan concluded.