Fidan holds regional calls to end Iran war, engages US and EU

2026-03-22 - 23:59

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan conducted a series of diplomatic calls Sunday with regional and international counterparts as part of Ankara's intensified efforts to bring an end to the ongoing Middle East war. The outreach spanned Gulf capitals, Tehran, Cairo, Baghdad, Washington and Brussels, reflecting Türkiye's active mediation role. Regional consultations According to Turkish diplomatic sources, Fidan held separate phone conversations with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, and Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, alongside Pakistani officials. Earlier in the day, he had spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas and officials from the United States. All calls focused on "the steps to end" the war, though no further details were disclosed. Escalating conflict The diplomatic push comes as the US-Israeli joint offensive against Iran, launched Feb. 28, continues to exact a heavy toll. More than 1,300 people have been killed in Iran, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran has retaliated with sustained drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and infrastructure damage while disrupting global markets and aviation. Energy routes under threat Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most shipping, a critical waterway that normally handles approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily—roughly one-fifth of global supply—along with 20% of the world's liquefied natural gas trade. The closure has sent energy prices soaring and heightened economic pressures on nations far beyond the conflict zone. Fidan's intensive diplomacy reflects the urgency of finding a political off-ramp before the war inflicts further damage on regional and global stability.