By The South Asia Times

LONDON - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has expressed confidence that key sticking points in US negotiations with Iran over nuclear issues could soon be overcome, as diplomatic talks are set to resume this weekend in Pakistan, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu News Agency.

Speaking to journalists after a program at Oxford University during an official visit to the United Kingdom, Fidan said he believes progress is within reach.

“As talks on the Iran war are set to resume tomorrow, I believe that one or two issues—particularly those that had been deadlocked in the nuclear dossier—can be resolved,” Fidan said, as quoted by Anadolu.

Fidan revealed that Turkey has been in almost daily contact with all parties involved in the negotiations and welcomed recent steps toward extending a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

“We welcomed the initial two-week ceasefire, but we also said at the time that it would not be enough to reach a final agreement,” he said. “That ceasefire has now been extended,” he added, referring to an extension announced earlier this week by US President Donald Trump.

“We are trying to contribute positively and provide encouragement to all sides,” Fidan said.

He noted that progress on nuclear issues could also help ease wider regional tensions, including those related to the strategic Strait of Hormuz -- a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments.

Outlining two possible scenarios for the Gulf waterway, Fidan said the first involves a negotiated return to the previous status quo, ensuring free maritime passage without restrictions or additional costs.

“The second scenario is that if negotiations fail to produce results, the war continues, or other problems arise, the issue becomes how to address the problematic areas in the Strait of Hormuz,” he explained.

He added that the concept of identifying problematic areas in the strait “is a different concept” with aspects that align with Turkey’s foreign policy and aspects that do not. “Our president is clear on this matter,” Fidan said.

Fidan said that if Iran and the United States reach an agreement and peace is achieved, “a coalition could carry out technical work there, including mine clearance.” He added that Turkey would not oppose such humanitarian and technical operations in a post-conflict environment.

However, he cautioned that Ankara would take a different stance if any operation appeared to involve taking sides in a renewed conflict.

“Our sensitivities are clear,” Fidan said. “If there is a situation where we are seen as part of a conflict again, our position would be different.”

He reiterated that mine clearance remains the immediate priority, describing it as a humanitarian task benefiting all sides.

The Iran-US talks began after Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire on April 8, which was later extended by Trump without a specified timeline. The diplomatic push comes amid ongoing tensions since the outbreak of war on February 28, with efforts now focused on reaching a broader agreement to end hostilities.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad on Friday night and has since met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. A US delegation led by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner is expected to arrive in the Pakistani capital on Saturday for a second round of peace talks.

Separately, Fidan also highlighted the signing of the Turkey-United Kingdom Strategic Partnership Framework during his visit, calling it an important milestone in bilateral ties.

“The UK and Turkey, both NATO members but not members of the European Union, are two major countries that will play a significant role in complementing each other with their populations, economic strength, capacities and industries,” he said.

Fidan said both sides are deepening cooperation through strategic dialogue in areas including trade, technology, defense industry, European security, and NATO affairs. He also met with UK parliamentarians and media representatives, discussing regional issues such as Iran, the Russia-Ukraine war, and European security.