Image for representation purposes only Turkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that the country is ready to help with a mine-clearing mission in the Strait of Hormuz if needed, while emphasising the importance of reopening the strategic energy chokepoint as soon as possible. Fidan spoke to the JTBC during a visit to South Korea on Sunday, where he said that Turkiye will be a part of the risky mine-clearing effort and is willing to cooperate with the parties involved if asked to do so. He also stated that Istanbul has a principled approach to regional conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and is ready to take on a supportive role once the parties reach an agreement to maintain peace and stop attacks. He also stated that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is more urgent than Iran’s nuclear program negotiations since its closure has impacted countries across the world and led to soaring oil prices and energy supply shortages. If the strategic waterway continues to remain closed for a longer time, then the consequences for the world could be disastrous. He also expressed confidence in the ability of Iran and the U.S. to understand the seriousness of the situation and act accordingly, in the interests of all. Fidan said that Turkiye is in contact with both countries and also mediators, and added that a few technical issues in the talks are yet to be decided upon. He blamed Israel for obstructing the negotiations and bombing Lebanon while calling on the international community to pressure Netanyahu to support diplomatic efforts over active confrontation, which would benefit neither side.