Erdogan Urges Trump to Negotiate With Iran in Phone Call

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on U.S. President Donald Trump to engage in negotiations with Iran, stressing the importance of diplomacy amid rising tensions. The Turkish leader's office released a statement Monday evening highlighting the call and Erdogan's emphasis on utilizing diplomatic channels to resolve the escalating conflict.

"Erdogan underlined that it is important to make the greatest possible use of diplomacy in connection with the tensions between Iran and the U.S., and that we hope the negotiations will continue," the presidential office stated. Turkey, a NATO member bordering Iran, has repeatedly advocated for an end to the conflict and has been actively engaged with the U.S., Iran, and mediators in recent months.

The conversation between Erdogan and Trump took place as a 60-day understanding between the U.S. and Iran, which covered Iran's nuclear program and U.S. sanctions, was set to expire. While Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated the expiration was "irrelevant" as negotiations never began, reports indicate a lack of progress on resuming shipping through the vital Strait of Hormuz.

During the call, Erdogan and Trump also discussed the war in Gaza and a defense cooperation agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Erdogan reportedly informed Trump about the increase in Israeli attacks on Palestinians.

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Erdogan underlined that it is important to make the greatest possible use of diplomacy in connection with the tensions between Iran and the U.S., and that we hope the negotiations will continue.