US, Iran may have already reached accord on final version of agreement — Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Urges International Unity to Protect US-Iran Deal

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has called on the international community to work together to prevent Israel from disrupting the agreements between the United States and Iran, as reported by TASS. Speaking at a press conference after talks with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, Fidan described the agreements as "an extremely important diplomatic milestone" in overcoming the conflict in the region.

"We hope that the technical negotiations will be completed as soon as possible within 60 days without disruption and that a peaceful atmosphere will be established in our region," Fidan said, according to TASS.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from TASS, the sole outlet covering this story, present Fidan's statements across multiple press conferences and interviews. The coverage highlights his cautious optimism about the progress in talks between Washington and Tehran, while consistently underscoring his concerns about potential Israeli interference. The tone across the reports remains diplomatic, with direct quotes from the Turkish minister.

Key Claims

Fidan expressed concern that Israel may attempt to sabotage the agreements. "In this regard, it [Israel] must face the fact that the international community will unite diplomatically to tell it that it's in the wrong. If we put up a united front, it will understand," he said, as quoted by TASS.

The Turkish minister also warned that the conflict over Iran has global repercussions. "The whole world has witnessed that this conflict is not only a regional one, not only a war between America and Iran or between Iran and Israel. The problem concerns the whole world," Fidan said, adding that the crisis has hurt food and oil prices, as well as supply chains, leading to long-term economic destabilization.

According to TASS, Fidan noted that Turkey is intensifying diplomatic efforts to help resolve the situation in the Persian Gulf.

In a separate interview with South Korea-based JTBC television, Fidan said he was "very optimistic" about the negotiations, noting that he holds regular consultations with both sides and with the Pakistani mediator. "I think that both sides have reached general accord on the final wording of the initial draft agreement. I hope we will be hearing good news very soon," he said.

Fidan also commented on Israel's stance, saying, "Currently, Israel thinks that any agreement between the United States and Iran in its current format contradicts its interests. That is why it is sparing no effort to derail or sabotage the talks."

At a ministerial meeting in Cairo, Fidan said negotiations between the US and Iran have begun, with initial contacts established. He mentioned a phone call with US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. "It may not be easy to settle all the details and technical aspects right away. Deadlocks may arise from time to time. We must be prepared for this. And, of course, there is always Israel, which is waiting for the right moment to undermine the situation at the first opportunity," he told the Anadolu agency.

Fidan recalled that after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum, certain issues were left to be discussed within the next 60 days, including technical aspects related to the nuclear program, sanctions, and a conflict resolution mechanism.

TASS also reported that the Qatari foreign ministry announced the beginning of Qatar- and Pakistan-mediated talks between the US and Iranian delegations in Switzerland, with technical groups formed to work on the final agreement.