Türkiye optimistic about extension of US-Iran ceasefire

ANKARA
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has expressed optimism that the current two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, set to expire on Wednesday, will be extended to allow more time for diplomatic talks.
Speaking at the closing session of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum on Sunday, Fidan said both Washington and Tehran have demonstrated the will to continue negotiations and avoid a return to conflict.
“No one wants to see a new war break out when the ceasefire expires next week. We hope the parties will extend the ceasefire. I hope there’ll be an extension. I am optimistic,” Fidan stated.
He added that the United States and Iran are “sincere” about the ceasefire and understand the need to sustain it, though reaching a comprehensive final agreement within the current two-week window may not be realistic
Meanwhile, in a show of strength during the ceasefire period, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it is replenishing and upgrading its missile and drone launchers at a faster rate than before the recent conflict.
Majid Mousavi, Commander of the IRGC Aerospace Force, said:“During the ceasefire, our speed in updating and replenishing missile and drone launch pads is even faster than before the war.”
The remarks come as the fragile US-Iran ceasefire, mediated with involvement from countries including Pakistan and Türkiye, holds amid ongoing regional tensions. Turkish officials have been actively engaged in back-channel diplomacy to prevent escalation and promote a lasting de-escalation in the Middle East.