Erdogan calls for urgent talks to keep Strait of Hormuz open

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for the Strait of Hormuz to remain open to shipping, saying disruptions in the strategic waterway have implications far beyond the United States and Iran.

“The situation in the Strait of Hormuz shows that this issue is no longer exclusively a problem between Iran and the United States. We are opposed to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. Safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is of paramount importance,” Erdogan told members of his press pool following his return from the United States.

He warned that tensions in the strait could have a direct impact on countries across the region and beyond, as well as on energy markets, transportation and millions of people.

“Any tensions in the Strait of Hormuz directly affect not only countries in the region, but also Europe, Asia, energy markets, transportation and the daily lives of millions of people. The Strait of Hormuz must remain open as a key to resolving problems through dialogue and negotiations,” he said.

Erdogan also pointed to the recent sharp decline in commercial shipping through the waterway as an indication of the scale of the disruption.

“Keeping the strait open is vital for global energy security and international trade. We must return to the negotiating table as soon as possible and open new diplomatic channels, not new fronts,” he added.

By Vafa Guliyeva