Turkey calls on Iran, US to stop attacks in Gulf region, says strikes harm peace efforts

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan urged Iran and the United States to cease attacks in the Gulf region, stating that such strikes undermine peace efforts aimed at ending the US-Iran conflict. Fidan emphasized Turkey's interest in maintaining stability within its neighboring country, Iran, during a joint press conference with his Azerbaijani counterpart in Baku.

He also called for unrestricted freedom of passage through the Strait of Hormuz and restoration of pre-war conditions, adding that Ankara was actively engaging with all parties involved to seek a resolution. This statement comes amid reports that an oil tanker exploded in the Strait of Hormuz, initially claimed by Iran to have been caused by a collision with mines.

However, CENTCOM refuted this claim, asserting that the tanker was struck by an Iranian missile last month and subsequently targeted by an Iranian drone. CENTCOM labeled Iran's assertion as a false claim aimed at impeding commercial vessels in the strategic waterway. Iranian state media reported the tanker, identified as the El Gaia flying under the Panamanian flag, was later towed to shore in Oman.

Meanwhile, Iranian-backed Houthis have been disrupting shipping lanes across the Red Sea and have also targeted Saudi cities and assets. Fidan recently discussed ongoing regional developments and recent attacks targeting Saudi Arabia in a conversation with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.