Ankara: Turkish Foreign Minister (FM) Hakan Fidan and Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation on Saturday to discuss ongoing negotiations involving the United States, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
The two ministers held comprehensive discussions regarding the latest developments in the diplomatic talks, sources confirmed.
The phone call comes against a backdrop of heightened regional volatility. Tensions across the region have escalated significantly following a series of joint US military strikes against targets in Iran, which commenced on February 28.
In response to the air strikes, Tehran launched retaliatory attacks utilising missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. These counter strikes targeted Israeli territory as well as American assets and strategic interests throughout the wider region.
Diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran had previously made minor headway mid-year through facilitation by regional actors, including active mediation by Pakistan. In June, the US and Iran signed a bilateral memorandum of understanding designed to guarantee and preserve freedom of navigation through the vital maritime route of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, the practical implementation of the maritime pact has stalled entirely in recent months. Progress has been blocked by persistent disagreements between both nations regarding the specific security arrangements and operational protocols required inside the strategic waterway.
Saturday's diplomatic contact between Ankara and Tehran highlights continued regional efforts alongside broader mediation initiatives led by Islamabad to monitor and address the ongoing dialogue between Washington and Iranian officials amid the unresolved security impasse.
