- Turkish President Calls for Diplomacy to De-escalate US-Iran Tensions as Ankara Engages All Sides
ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has urged US President Donald Trump to prioritize diplomacy and continue dialogue with Iran to help de-escalate tensions between the two countries, while offering Türkiye’s support for efforts aimed at achieving peace.
According to a statement issued by the Turkish presidency on Tuesday, Erdoğan emphasized during a telephone conversation with Trump the importance of making full use of diplomatic channels to address the escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
“Erdoğan stated that it is of great importance to make the utmost use of diplomacy regarding the tensions between Iran and the United States,” the presidency said, adding that Türkiye hoped negotiations would continue and would remain committed to supporting peace efforts.
The call comes amid renewed uncertainty over efforts to secure a lasting end to the conflict. A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran was preparing to adopt a “fully offensive” military posture after negotiations toward a permanent settlement stalled, while Washington ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire agreement.
Ankara Maintains Contact with All Parties
Türkiye, which shares a border with Iran and has NATO’s second-largest military, has repeatedly called for an end to the conflict and a return to negotiations. Ankara has maintained diplomatic contacts with Washington and Tehran, as well as with mediators including Pakistan and Qatar, positioning itself as an intermediary in efforts to reduce tensions.
Progress toward restoring normal oil tanker traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has also reportedly stalled, adding to concerns over regional security and global energy supplies.
Türkiye has criticized the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran while simultaneously condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf states. Ankara has also called for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the restoration of freedom of navigation through the key international waterway.
On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed the reopening of the strait and the continuation of the ceasefire with his Iranian counterpart, according to Turkish officials.
Erdoğan, Trump Discuss Regional Security and Gaza
The Turkish presidency said Erdoğan and Trump also discussed bilateral relations, the war in Gaza and the recently signed defense pact between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Erdoğan reportedly welcomed the agreement, describing it as a demonstration of a “strong stance” in support of regional stability and security.
The Turkish president also told Trump that Israeli attacks on Palestinians had intensified at a time when the second phase of the US president’s Gaza peace plan was expected to begin.
The White House had not immediately issued a statement on the conversation or responded to requests for comment.
BY: The Times Union
