Turkey: Iran and America Wish to Continue Talks

SadaNews - Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on Sunday that Iran and the United States have the desire to continue talks to end the war.

He added in remarks to reporters during a diplomatic forum in the southern Antalya region that although the talks between Washington and Iran are largely complete, there are still several disagreements.

He clarified, "No one wants to see a new war erupt when the ceasefire period expires next week. We hope that the parties involved extend the ceasefire."

He continued: "I hope it will be extended. I am optimistic."

On another note, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has stopped after Iran reaffirmed its full control over it, just days before the end of a fragile ceasefire with the United States.

Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said that recent talks with the United States have made progress, while U.S. President Donald Trump referred to "very good talks" with Tehran.

However, neither party provided details, but Qalibaf noted that disagreements remain over nuclear issues and the Strait of Hormuz, the two main points of contention in the talks.

Tehran changed its stance on Saturday and reasserted its control over the strait, once again closing this critical energy passage, and accused Washington of violating the ceasefire agreement by continuing its maritime blockade on Iranian ports.