Washington Post Columnist David Ignatius:

The blockade is a pressure tactic, to be sure, but not primarily a military one.

Trump has no appetite for further armed conflict. He knows that the upsides are limited and the ‘tail risk’ is large.

A ground attack… might lead the U.S. into a quagmire.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf had impressed the American team as a “refined and professional bargainer, and potential leader of a new Iran.”

Source: David Ignatius, WaPo

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in China:

We need China to open up so that Europe does not have to close itself.

Our trade deficit with China grew 18% last year. That is unsustainable.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

As far as I can see, there is currently a sincere need on both sides for a ceasefire.

Of course, there is always the Israel factor — Israel’s disruptive role here must always be taken into account.

At the moment, both the Americans and the Iranians have returned home.

I believe the Iranians, in particular, will evaluate the proposal made by the Americans and will give a response.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

When you look at the main topics currently under negotiation, it may not be technically realistic to expect them to be finalized and signed into a comprehensive agreement within 15 days.

If the parties make good progress, an additional ceasefire period could come onto the agenda — perhaps 45 days or even 60 days — so that negotiations can continue and problems can be resolved during that time.

Keir Starmer:

Whatever the pressure, Britain will not be dragged into the Iran war.

We’re not supporting the blockade.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

The effort to expand territory has always been one of Israel’s objectives.

It was waiting for an opportunity to implement this, and after October 2023 it saw that such an opportunity had opened up.

Essentially, Israel is not pursuing security, but rather more territory. It presents this expansionism under the guise of security needs.

As this becomes more exposed, international awareness grows, and the political rhetoric surrounding the issue begins to shift and produce different effects.

German Chancellor Merz on Hungary election results:

I am personally very grateful and relieved about this clear election result in Hungary.

This shows that our democratic societies are more resilient than many believe. Our democracies can withstand Russian propaganda and foreign interference.

Right-wing populism suffered a heavy defeat in Hungary.

A clear signal has come from Hungary against right-wing populism worldwide.

BIG: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Syria:

Israel’s postponed policies toward Syria carry certain risks.

Because of the ongoing war in Iran, Israel may not be taking certain steps right now, but that does not mean it will not do so later.

It may simply not be their priority at the moment. That does not mean it will not become a priority later, when the time comes.

For now, our Syrian brothers and sisters are engaged in serious diplomatic efforts.

However, as I said, Netanyahu and his team’s perspective on this issue is clear.

We are aware of it, and we are taking our own measures accordingly.

As the war with Iran dragged on, Israel’s interception rate dropped sharply.

At the start, only about 5% of Iranian missiles got through, but in the final week, that rose to 27%.

Most of the missiles that hit (about 4 out of 5) carried cluster munitions, and Israel did not have an effective, dedicated defense against them.

Source: Haaretz

Pope Leo told Reuters he didn't "want to get into a debate" with Trump.

"I don't ‌think that the message of the Gospel is meant to be abused in ‌the way that some people are doing," he said.

"I will continue to speak out loudly against war, looking to promote peace, ⁠promoting dialogue and multilateral ​relationships among the states to look ​for just solutions to problems," ​he said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Greece-Israel relations:

We see that Greece is pursuing highly risky policies here.

There are very interesting aspects in Greece attempting to follow a type of policy that no other country in Europe is pursuing on its own.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

Neither Greece nor Southern Cyprus needs military cooperation with Israel.

Greece is already a member of NATO, and Southern Cyprus has the backing of the EU.

What strategic logic could justify seeking this kind of cooperation is something they cannot explain to me either.

This is most likely an imposition on the government made under external pressure.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

After Iran, Israel cannot live without an enemy. We see that they are in search of developing a new rhetoric and declaring Turkey as the new enemy.

We observe this not only in Netanyahu, but also among some figures in the Israeli opposition.

Trump reposts:

Trump brilliantly calls Iran’s bluff — with his own Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

Israel is not a structure that produces power on its own.

There is a mindset here that has managed to hack the American political system through Zionism.

What the United States does in this region does not serve its own interests, but benefits Israel. So why does the United States do this?

It is not a rational model of behavior. It happens when you influence (American) politics.

German Chancellor Merz:

The war in Iran is the actual cause of the problems that we are also facing in our own country.

German Chancellor Merz:

I was not surprised by the decision to break off the talks in Islamabad.

From the beginning, I did not have the impression that they were really well prepared.

German Chancellor Merz:

We will continue to feel the consequences of the war in Iran for a long time, even after it is over.

We are preparing ourselves for a prolonged period of significant strain on the German economy, and therefore also on private households.

Kremlin:

The Hungarian people have made their choice, and Russia respects it.

Russia expects to continue contacts with Hungary’s new leadership.

Kremlin:

Russia’s proposal to accept Iran’s enriched uranium remains on the table, but it has not been taken up.