Turkey Says It Is Optimistic US–Iran Ceasefire Will Be Extended as Pakistan Prepares Follow-Up Talks

Turkey said on Sunday it remained optimistic that a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States, due to expire on Wednesday, would be extended to give negotiators more time to reach an agreement.

Diplomatic Momentum

Pakistan is leading preparations for a follow-up round of high-level US–Iran talks after an initial round concluded last weekend without an agreement. Turkey, joined by Egypt, has voiced strong support for the Pakistan-led initiative to prolong negotiations and prevent a return to open hostilities.

Statements From Ankara

At the close of a three-day diplomacy forum in Antalya, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said:

"No one wants to see a new war break out when the ceasefire expires next week. We hope ... the parties will extend the ceasefire."

He added:

"I hope there'll be an extension. I am optimistic."

Fidan said he had spoken with Pakistani officials but declined to give a date for further talks. He stressed that "the continuation of negotiations is something the entire international community wants" and argued that "under this level of pressure, I believe the parties should not see any obstacle to extending the ceasefire in order to continue peace negotiations."

Prospects And Concerns

Fidan warned that unless the sides adopt more confrontational measures, "there is a strong possibility that the ceasefire will be extended and negotiations will continue." He expressed hope that, with time, key issues might be resolved.

Despite the cautious optimism, Iran said on Sunday that a final peace deal was still "far" off. Turkey's foreign minister also accused Israel of trying to create a "fait accompli" in Lebanon during the diplomatic pause, denouncing what he described as "Israeli expansionism." On Saturday, Fidan warned Israel could be attempting to occupy new territory under the pretext of security concerns and described the situation as linked to a "fundamentalist government" that troubles the international community.

For now, diplomats say pressure is mounting to extend the truce and keep negotiations alive, though no date for fresh talks has been set.