Moscow: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has revealed that while the United States and Iran have reached an agreement in principle on several key matters, technical complexities remain unresolved. These include the fate of Iran's enriched uranium and the implementation of a future enrichment moratorium.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan, speaking to journalists during his visit to Russia, highlighted that technical teams are still working to determine how 400 kilograms of enriched uranium in Iran will be diluted, monitored, and verified. "There is a principled understanding regarding the dilution of 400 kilograms of enriched uranium in Iran. But who will carry out the dilution, who will oversee it, and how it will be verified still need to be discussed," he stated.
Fidan attributed the slow pace of negotiations between Washington and Tehran to wartime conditions, mutual distrust, and regional developments, including Israel's occupation of Lebanon. "While the US side could respond within an hour, the Iranians sometimes needed a week," he said, urging both sides to engage in direct talks.
The Turkish foreign minister also criticized Israel's regional policies, labeling them as "a global problem." He expressed concerns over Israel's actions, which he believes have repercussions on global security and the economy. "We are seeing Israel face increasing diplomatic backlash," Fidan said, expressing hope for a peaceful resolution in the region.
Fidan noted that the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel had diverted international attention from Gaza. However, he remained hopeful that regional countries would refocus on the enclave once the crisis subsides. Efforts to reach a framework agreement for the second phase of Gaza ceasefire negotiations are ongoing, with Turkey's National Intelligence Organization (MIT) playing a role.
In regards to NATO, Fidan commented on the importance of the upcoming summit in Ankara, emphasizing that key decisions could not be made without US President Donald Trump. He noted that many European allies viewed Turkey's hosting of the meeting as a significant factor in Trump's expected attendance. Preparations for the July 7-8 summit are reportedly underway, with attention on the nuances between US and European approaches to NATO.
Discussing relations with Russia, Fidan indicated that there are no significant disputes hindering bilateral relations or regional cooperation. Both countries are seeking to expand collaboration, with mutual high-level visits continuing despite challenging discussions. "We have developed a very special relationship with the Russians," he said, noting the constructive approach adopted by both nations' leaders.
On the Russia-Ukraine war, Fidan observed that Moscow's position remains firm, with no change in their views on Ukraine. Regarding the South Caucasus, he mentioned the activation of the 3+3 regional platform involving Turkey, Russia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Armenia, and Georgia as a means to strengthen regional cooperation.
Fidan emphasized the importance of cooperation over competition in the region, highlighting recent talks between Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia focused on connectivity, including the Middle Corridor's link to Turkey. On normalization with Armenia, he acknowledged steps taken by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's government and Turkey's measures under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's leadership, expressing readiness for normalization once conditions are met.