Fidan Expresses Optimism for Nuclear Breakthrough as US-Iran Peace Talks Resume in Pakistan

Turkish FM Hakan Fidan believes deadlocks in the Iran nuclear dossier can be broken as US-Iran talks resume in Pakistan amid a fragile ceasefire extension.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 25, 2026, 5:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Anadolu Agency

Measured Optimism for a Nuclear Resolution

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has suggested that a breakthrough in the stalled nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran could be imminent. Following a series of meetings at Oxford University and with British officials, Fidan stated that "one or two issues" that had previously deadlocked the nuclear dossier are now positioned for resolution. The Foreign Minister emphasized that Türkiye remains in "almost daily contact" with all parties involved in the conflict, acting as a diplomatic bridge during a period of unprecedented regional instability. These comments come as negotiators prepare for a new round of talks in Islamabad, aimed at transitioning a temporary truce into a comprehensive peace agreement.

The Strategy of Ceasefire Extensions

The current diplomatic momentum is largely attributed to the extension of a two-week ceasefire originally brokered by Pakistan on April 8. U.S. President Donald Trump announced earlier this week that the truce, which halted the kinetic phase of the conflict that began on February 28, would be extended indefinitely to allow for detailed negotiations. Fidan welcomed this development but cautioned that a mere cessation of hostilities is insufficient to resolve the underlying structural grievances. Türkiye has actively encouraged all sides to utilize this pause to finalize the technical aspects of the nuclear file, which remains a primary sticking point for a lasting regional settlement.

Two Scenarios for the Strait of Hormuz

The strategic control of the Strait of Hormuz remains the most volatile element of the ongoing negotiations. Fidan outlined two distinct paths for the waterway, which has seen significant disruption and dual blockades since the war's inception. The first scenario envisions a negotiated return to the pre-conflict status quo, characterized by unrestricted maritime passage. The second, more confrontational scenario involves the continued management of "problematic areas" if talks fail. Fidan noted that while Türkiye supports humanitarian efforts such as mine clearance, it remains sensitive to any operations that could be perceived as taking a side in the military standoff.