Türkiye, Russia discuss ending Iran war, future Ukraine peace talks

2026-03-17 - 22:49

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov held a telephone conversation Tuesday focused on ending the ongoing war in Iran and reviving diplomatic efforts between the conflicting parties. The call underscores Ankara's active diplomatic engagement as the conflict enters its third week with no resolution in sight. Iran war dominates agenda According to Turkish diplomatic sources, the ministers discussed possible steps to bring the Iran conflict to an end and resume talks between the parties. Fidan emphasized during the conversation that prolongation of the war poses growing risks both to countries in the region and to the international order. His warning comes as the US-Israeli joint offensive against Iran, launched Feb. 28, has claimed more than 1,200 lives including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with fighting now spreading to Lebanon and Iraq. Türkiye's mediator role reaffirmed The conversation also covered the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year. Fidan reiterated that Türkiye stands ready to host the next round of negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, reaffirming Ankara's established role as a potential mediator. Türkiye previously hosted direct talks between the two sides in Istanbul in the early stages of the conflict and has consistently advocated for a diplomatic solution. Energy security discussed The ministers additionally addressed energy security issues, a critical concern given the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies normally pass. The call reflects Türkiye's strategic position as a country maintaining dialogue with both Moscow and Tehran while pursuing active diplomacy to contain regional instability.