ANKARA — Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to continue direct diplomatic talks with Iran, stressing that dialogue remains essential to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
During a phone call with Trump, Erdogan reportedly emphasized the importance of diplomacy and offered Turkey’s support for efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The appeal comes as U.S.-Iran negotiations remain stalled and tensions surrounding the conflict and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz continue to rise. Iran has warned of further escalation if diplomatic efforts fail, while Washington has rejected extending the existing interim arrangement.
Turkey, which shares a border with Iran and maintains close relations with both regional and Western partners, has positioned itself as a potential facilitator of dialogue. Erdogan said Ankara would continue working with the United States, Iran and regional mediators, including Pakistan and Qatar, to support diplomatic efforts.
Erdogan’s intervention highlights growing regional concern that the breakdown of negotiations could trigger a wider conflict and further disrupt trade and energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
The message from Ankara is clear: diplomacy should remain open, even as tensions continue to rise.
