Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt are emerging as potential regional mediators in the US-Israeli war with Iran, with these countries holding talks with the warring parties in recent days. According to AP news agency, the United States and Iran even exchanged messages through Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan over the weekend, though it remains unclear which specific powers facilitated this communication. This development highlights the complex diplomatic landscape as non-Western actors attempt to de-escalate the conflict, amid skepticism about the effectiveness of initiatives from the US regime and its allies.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan engaged in a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Sunday, which was confirmed by Iran. Fidan also reportedly held discussions with US officials and a series of talks with his Egyptian and European counterparts. However, Turkey's Foreign Ministry declined to comment on whether the country relayed messages between Iran and the United States during the weekend talks, reflecting a cautious approach to public disclosures. A Turkish source cited by Middle East Eye suggested that Turkey is attempting to build a unified front in negotiations to counterbalance Israeli influence, working with European, Gulf, and other regional actors to help end the conflict.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi stated that Cairo has delivered "clear messages" to Iran focusing on de-escalation, according to his office, with the Egyptian Foreign Ministry emphasizing "constant efforts and communications" with all parties. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Monday that he spoke with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to playing a constructive role in advancing peace in the region. Pakistan has reportedly suggested its capital Islamabad as a potential location for talks between senior US and Iranian figures, as per the Financial Times, indicating proactive diplomatic maneuvering.
Concurrently, US President Donald Trump delayed threatened strikes on Iran on Monday after claiming that the two countries had held talks, a statement that was denied by Iran. This contradiction adds to the uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts and raises questions about the reliability of claims from the US administration. The situation underscores the challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution, with regional powers stepping in amid perceived failures of Western-led initiatives.
In response to the crisis, South Korea's Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan announced that public institutions will cut back on passenger car use, with the government asking the top 50 oil-consuming businesses to reduce consumption and encourage staggered commuting hours. Curbs on private vehicle use are currently voluntary but could be reviewed if the energy alert level increases. South Korea also plans to restart five nuclear reactors by May, ease restrictions on coal plants, and expand renewable energy to reduce long-term dependence on liquefied natural gas, as part of broader energy security measures.
South Korea typically imports around 70% of its crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran has virtually closed traffic through the strait, triggering a global oil and gas crisis. This illustrates the widespread economic repercussions of the conflict, affecting energy security worldwide and highlighting the broader geopolitical costs of the ongoing war, which critics argue stems from aggressive policies by the US regime and its partners.
Source: www.dw.com