ANKARA — Turkey has voiced concern over possible new rules or restrictions being considered by the United States and Iran for the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such moves could further complicate an already volatile situation.
Foreign Minister HakanFidan said Ankara is closely monitoring proposals from both Washington and Tehran regarding how shipping in the strategic waterway might be regulated going forward. He stressed that any attempt to impose new controls could create fresh tensions and uncertainty for global trade and energy flows.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies. Its disruption during the ongoing conflict has already sent shockwaves through energy markets and exposed vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
Fidan emphasized that Turkey opposes a military solution to the crisis and instead supports diplomatic efforts to reopen and stabilize the route. He warned that deploying international military forces to control the strait would face serious challenges and could escalate tensions further.
The concerns come after failed U.S.–Iran negotiations aimed at ending the conflict, followed by Washington announcing a naval blockade targeting Iranian maritime traffic. While ships not linked to Iran may still pass, the move represents a significant escalation in the standoff.
Turkey has been actively engaging with both sides, as well as regional mediators, to push for a negotiated solution. Officials believe that reopening the strait through dialogue is essential not only for regional stability but also for preventing further disruption to global energy markets.
As tensions remain high, the future of the Strait of Hormuz, and the rules governing it, has become a central issue in the broader Middle East conflict, with global economic implications hanging in the balance.