Erdogan urges Trump to pursue diplomacy with Iran, offers Turkey's support
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to continue diplomatic engagement with Iran in order to de-escalate tensions between the two nations, while offering Ankara's backing for peace efforts. The appeal came during a phone call between the two leaders, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency on Monday.
The statement said that Erdogan emphasised the importance of making full use of diplomatic channels regarding the tensions between Iran and the United States. He expressed hope that talks would continue and reaffirmed Turkey's readiness to support peace initiatives.
Turkey, which maintains NATO's second-largest army and shares a border with Iran, has repeatedly called for an end to the ongoing conflict. It has kept close contact with Washington, Tehran, and regional mediators such as Pakistan and Qatar, and has also acted as an intermediary between the parties.
The phone call came after a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran would adopt a “fully offensive” military posture, citing the breakdown of efforts to negotiate a permanent end to the war. Washington has reportedly ruled out extending a temporary ceasefire agreement, leaving the situation unresolved.
The developments carry significant implications for global energy markets, as the conflict is centred near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. Indian sailors have also been affected, with reports of companies asking crew members to risk crossing the strait despite safety concerns.
Observers note that Turkey's role as a NATO member with working relations with both the United States and Iran positions it as a potential facilitator in any future negotiations. However, no concrete outcomes from the Erdogan-Trump call have been disclosed.
The broader geopolitical context remains tense, with no clear path to a durable ceasefire. Diplomatic efforts have been complicated by mutual distrust and differing demands from the parties involved. The international community continues to watch for any signs of progress or escalation.
As the situation evolves, the focus remains on whether sustained diplomacy can avert further conflict. The call between Erdogan and Trump underscores the ongoing attempts to find a negotiated solution, even as military postures on both sides remain aggressive.
