Erdogan urges Trump to pursue talks with Iran, offers support

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on US President Donald Trump to engage in discussions with Iran to ease tensions between the two nations, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency. Erdogan emphasized the importance of diplomacy in resolving the current strife, expressing hope that the talks would persist and that Turkey would continue to support peace efforts.

The conversation took place following Iran's announcement that it would adopt a more aggressive military stance due to stalled negotiations for a permanent ceasefire, Reuters reported. Simultaneously, Iran has also halted progress in resuming oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

Turkey, the second-largest NATO army and a neighboring country to Iran, has consistently advocated for an end to the war. The nation has maintained close ties with the US, Iran, and mediators like Pakistan and Qatar, acting as a go-between for the parties involved. Turkish Foreign Minister discussed the Strait of Hormuz's reopening and the extension of the ceasefire with his Iranian counterpart on Monday.

The presidency also reported that Erdogan and Trump discussed bilateral relations, the war in Gaza, and a defense pact signed among Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Erdogan commended the pact as a symbol of a 'strong stance' towards regional stability and security. However, he criticized Israel's attacks on Palestinians, a point of contention when the second phase of Trump's Gaza Peace Plan was scheduled to commence. The White House has yet to comment on the call.