Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to pursue diplomatic discussions with Iran to de-escalate regional tensions, offering Ankara's support for peace initiatives, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency.
The call between the leaders occurred on Tuesday, with Erdogan emphasizing the critical importance of diplomacy in managing the current tensions between Iran and the United States. The Turkish presidency indicated that Ankara hopes talks will continue and reiterated Turkey's commitment to supporting peace efforts.
This appeal for dialogue follows reports from a senior Iranian official suggesting a potential shift to an "fully offensive" military posture, as negotiations for a permanent cessation of hostilities have reportedly stalled and the U.S. has ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire agreement. Progress on resuming oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also reportedly faltered.
Turkey, a NATO member bordering Iran, has consistently advocated for an end to the conflict. The nation has maintained active communication channels with the United States, Iran, and key mediators like Pakistan and Qatar, while also serving as an intermediary. Previously, Turkey has criticized military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, while also condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf states and calling for the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, President Erdogan and President Trump reportedly discussed bilateral relations, the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and a recently signed defense pact between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Erdogan reportedly lauded the defense accord as a demonstration of a "strong stance" for regional stability and security. The Turkish leader also informed President Trump that Israel's actions against Palestinians have intensified, coinciding with the expected implementation of the second phase of the U.S. administration's Gaza Peace Plan.
