Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Barrack said discussions between Washington and Ankara were progressing toward a settlement over sanctions imposed following Turkiye’s acquisition of the .

“I think you are going to see the S-400 situation solved soon,” Barrack said, adding that, from Washington’s perspective, Turkiye’s potential re-entry into the would be acceptable.

The United States imposed sanctions on its NATO ally in 2020 after Turkiye purchased the Russian S-400 system, citing concerns over compatibility with NATO defence infrastructure and risks to sensitive military technology. The move also led to Ankara’s removal from the multinational F-35 production and procurement programme.

The dispute has been a longstanding source of tension in bilateral relations, with both sides seeking a framework that addresses security concerns while restoring defence cooperation.

The announcement came a day after talks in Pakistan ended without agreement, underscoring persistent divisions over terms to end a conflict launched on Feb. 28 by the United States and Israel. The blockade is aimed at pressuring Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept a broader settlement addressing its nuclear and missile programs, as well as its regional activities.

Trump indicated that diplomatic channels remain open, saying Iran had reached out to explore a possible resolution. “We’ve been called by the right people … and they want to work a deal,” he told reporters outside the White House.Iran signaled conditional openness to negotiations.

Judiciary chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei said discussions must proceed on the basis of “principles and logic,” while other officials warned that Tehran would respond if the situation escalates.The blockade drew sharp reactions from Iran, which threatened countermeasures targeting ports across the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, raising the risk that the two-week ceasefire declared earlier could collapse before its April 22 expiry.

At the core of the dispute remain differences over Iran’s nuclear program and control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes. Its closure has already disrupted markets and driven up oil prices.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who led the American delegation in the recent talks, said Iran had not provided assurances it would refrain from pursuing nuclear weapons capability. Tehran has long denied such intentions while defending its right to civilian nuclear development, including uranium enrichment.

Iran’s negotiating position, articulated by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, emphasized sovereignty over the strait, an end to hostilities, and compensation for wartime damage.

Iranian officials also dismissed the blockade as exaggerated, with parliamentary spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei describing it as “more bluffing than reality.”Pakistan has indicated it may facilitate further dialogue, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar expressing willingness to host another round of talks, though no timeline has been confirmed.

Both sides have maintained firm public positions, with Trump warning that any Iranian attempt to challenge the blockade would be met with force, while Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the measure risked further destabilizing the global economy.

The vote, initially expected on Saturday, will now take place sometime next week, according to two diplomats who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the private nature of council discussions.

Bahrain, which holds the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council this month, had significantly watered down the resolution in an effort to secure consensus among the council’s 15 members.

The revised draft authorizes defensive measures to ensure safe passage of commercial vessels through the strait, stopping short of the offensive military action initially backed by Gulf states and the United States.

The delay underscores continued divisions within the council, with Russia and China still unwilling to support the modified proposal, diplomats said.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply typically flows, has become a focal point of international concern amid escalating conflict in the region, raising fears over energy security and global trade disruptions.

Bahrain has been seeking unanimous backing for the resolution, but the postponement highlights the challenges of achieving agreement among major powers on how to respond to the the crisis.

In a statement, the ministry said the talks focused on what it described as a “military-political crisis” triggered by U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran, and included an exchange of views on shifting the conflict toward a political and diplomatic track grounded in international law.

The Russian side also briefed Iran on a recent shipment of humanitarian aid, according to the statement. Moscow and Tehran have previously signed a strategic partnership agreement spanning political, economic, military and energy cooperation, though it does not include a mutual defense clause.

At a Group of Seven meeting, European foreign ministers raised concerns with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Russia may be assisting Iran in targeting U.S. forces in the region.

Two Western security sources and a regional official close to Tehran told Reuters that Russia had provided satellite imagery and technical support to enhance Iranian drone capabilities, drawing on systems used by Moscow in its conflict in Ukraine.

Russia has deployed Iranian-designed drones in its war in Ukraine, underscoring growing defense cooperation between the two countries.

The latest diplomatic engagement comes amid intensifying hostilities across the Middle East and mounting international calls to contain the conflict through negotiations.

Trump told reporters at the White House that U.S. officials were engaged with “the right people” in Iran and suggested Tehran was eager to reach an agreement.

A source familiar with the matter confirmed that Washington had transmitted a multi-point proposal aimed at halting the conflict, now in its fourth week following U.S. and Israeli strikes launched on February 28.Iranian authorities denied that direct negotiations were underway.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf dismissed reports of talks as “fake news,” underscoring persistent gaps between public positions and diplomatic signals.

According to media reports cited by regional outlets, the U.S. proposal includes provisions for dismantling Iran’s nuclear program, ending support for proxy groups, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. A month-long ceasefire has also been discussed to facilitate negotiations, though no official confirmation of those terms has been issued by Washington.

Trump said Iran had made a “valuable concession” linked to non-nuclear energy and maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly 20% of global oil supply typically flows. He did not provide details.

Iran informed the United Nations Security Council and the International Maritime Organization that non-hostile vessels could transit the strait if coordinated with Iranian authorities, according to a note seen by Reuters. The waterway has effectively been shut since the outbreak of hostilities, triggering a sharp global energy supply disruption.

Despite diplomatic signals, military activity has continued on all sides. Two sources said the United States is preparing to deploy thousands of troops from the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, adding to approximately 50,000 U.S. personnel already stationed in the region.

The deployment would accelerate a broader military buildup, heightening concerns among analysts and regional actors that the conflict could become prolonged even as negotiations proceed.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his government was willing to host talks between Washington and Tehran, expressing support for dialogue aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement.

A Pakistani government source said discussions about a potential meeting were at an advanced stage, though no agreement had been finalized.Pakistan maintains longstanding ties with Iran and has recently strengthened engagement with the United States, positioning itself as a potential intermediary.

The latest developments come a day after Trump delayed threatened strikes on Iranian power infrastructure, citing “productive” discussions, while Oman, which has acted as a mediator, previously indicated that progress had been made in earlier negotiations before the outbreak of conflict.

The exchange, held amid rising international scrutiny, reflected a broader effort to keep communication channels open and promote peaceful outcomes during times of geopolitical tension.

Belarus also deepened its diplomatic outreach, with President Alexander Lukashenko holding his second meeting in under three weeks with Venezuelan ambassador Jesus Rafael Salazar Velazquez.

The discussions signaled a willingness to strengthen ties and coordinate approaches to regional issues, reflecting a long-standing partnership built on cooperation and mutual respect.

Reports indicate that Maduro conveyed readiness to step aside under conditions of full legal amnesty for himself and his family.

The request underscores the complex legal and political considerations shaping Venezuela’s future and the international community’s role in facilitating lawful transitions of power.

Lukashenko emphasized in earlier meetings that Maduro would always be welcome in Belarus, encouraging continued dialogue on matters requiring mutual attention.

The diplomatic tone remained positive, signaling an openness to peaceful solutions and an emphasis on sovereignty, stability, and legal protections.

Putin’s call reiterated Russia’s view that Venezuela’s national interests and sovereignty must be safeguarded in the face of growing external pressure.

His remarks aligned with Moscow’s longstanding position that constructive diplomacy should guide international engagement rather than confrontation.

Meanwhile, the United States has continued to increase pressure on Maduro’s administration, maintaining its stance on the legitimacy of Venezuela’s leadership.

Washington has voiced its position firmly, but global observers continue to highlight the importance of lawful, measured, and diplomatic strategies over heightened tensions.

The situation comes as the U.S. undertakes a military build-up in the Caribbean, a move that has prompted calls from several quarters for restraint and respect for international law.

Analysts note that avoiding escalation is essential to preserving stability across the Western Hemisphere.

Russian officials expressed hope that diplomatic channels would remain active to prevent any slide toward conflict.

The emphasis was on responsible statecraft and the shared international interest in preventing unpredictable consequences.

Lukashenko’s outreach to both the Venezuelan government and the U.S. administration demonstrates a nuanced diplomatic balancing act.

Belarus has sought to strengthen its global ties, improve political dialogue, and create pathways for constructive negotiations that benefit regional and international stability.

Recent U.S. moves to ease certain sanctions on Belarus and appoint a special envoy for dialogue indicate a shift toward engagement over isolation.

This trend highlights the growing recognition that diplomatic solutions grounded in legal frameworks and mutual understanding can help pave the way for lasting peace.

The evolving dynamic between Russia, Belarus, Venezuela, and the United States underscores the importance of diplomacy as a cornerstone of global politics.

At a moment of heightened geopolitical focus, the priority shared by many nations remains the pursuit of lawful, peaceful, and cooperative outcomes that support regional security and international stability.

Following extended discussions in Moscow between Putin and the US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, joined by senior adviser Jared Kushner, Russian officials stated that the dialogue was constructive. A Kremlin aide acknowledged that compromises had not yet been finalized, but emphasized that the talks represented an important beginning in aligning perspectives.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reiterated that it would be inaccurate to say the proposals were rejected in full. Instead, he described the talks as a direct exchange of views, with some ideas accepted and others deemed unsuitable. This, he noted, was part of a normal negotiation process in which both sides work through disagreements to identify shared ground.

Peskov highlighted Russia’s appreciation for the diplomatic efforts being made by the US administration. He added that while the Kremlin values transparency, ongoing discussions would not be accompanied by detailed public updates, as discretion was essential to maintaining a productive environment for negotiations.

According to Peskov, expert-level teams from both sides are now working through the details of the proposals. These discussions are expected to produce tangible results that will pave the way for potential future engagements at the highest political level. The structured approach indicates a deliberate attempt to build a durable foundation for peace efforts.

The developments come amid a series of overlapping proposals from different international actors. A previous set of 28 US draft peace points circulated in November, prompting concerns among Ukrainian and European officials who felt they were overly accommodating to Moscow’s demands. European states later drafted their own counter-proposal, while new discussions in Geneva led the US and Ukraine to assemble what they described as an updated and refined peace framework.

Putin expressed unease with certain European suggestions, stating that some of the ideas were completely unacceptable to Russia. However, the ongoing talks illustrate that Moscow remains engaged in the broader diplomatic process, even while disagreements persist. The Russian president’s foreign policy aide, Yuri Ushakov, said the discussions with Witkoff covered a series of documents, including previous sets of proposals and new additions.

The outlines of the peace frameworks under discussion have not been disclosed publicly. Nonetheless, the continuity of dialogue and the acknowledgment that some US ideas have been accepted signal a potentially meaningful shift in tone. Both sides appear committed to repeated meetings if necessary, reflecting an understanding of the complexity of the issues at stake.

The diplomatic momentum suggests a shared desire to identify avenues for de-escalation. As expert teams continue to review, revise and refine proposals, the possibility of creating a balanced and practical peace framework becomes increasingly viable. While challenges remain, the reaffirmation of dialogue underscores a broader recognition that sustained communication is essential for progress.

In a global climate where conflicts carry far-reaching consequences, this renewed engagement between the US and Russia may help stabilize the international environment. With both parties expressing readiness for continued negotiations, the path toward a workable agreement remains open, setting the stage for future diplomatic breakthroughs.