Key facts
- Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan urged U.S. President Donald Trump to continue diplomatic talks with Iran.
- Erdogan offered Turkey's support for peace efforts to de-escalate tensions.
- The leaders discussed the war in Gaza and a defense pact signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
- Erdogan stated that Israel's attacks on Palestinians in Gaza increased during the second phase of Trump's peace plan.
- Erdogan said the Mecca Agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is open to other countries like Egypt.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan urged U.S. President Donald Trump in a phone call to pursue talks with Iran to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, and offered Ankara's support for peace efforts, the Turkish presidency said. Turkey, which borders Iran, has repeatedly called for an end to the war and has maintained contact with the United States and Iran. Erdogan stated that it is of great importance to make the utmost of diplomacy regarding the tensions between Iran and the United States, that Turkey hopes the talks will continue, and that Turkey will continue to support peace efforts. The call comes after a senior Iranian official indicated Iran would shift to a 'fully offensive' military posture as negotiations have stalled. Progress towards resuming oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also stalled. Turkey has criticized the U.S. and Israeli assault on Iran while also condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf states and calling for the re-opening of the strategic strait. The presidency added that Erdogan and Trump also discussed bilateral ties, the war in Gaza, and a defense pact signed between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, which Erdogan praised as a sign of a 'strong stance' for regional stability and security. Erdogan told Trump that Israel's attacks on Palestinians had increased at a time when the second phase of Trump's Gaza Peace Plan was supposed to come into effect. Trump later shared on Truth Social that he had a 'very good' call with Erdogan, characterizing him as a 'great ally'. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also stated that the Mecca Agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is open to other countries such as Egypt.