Erdogan urges Trump to pursue diplomacy in talks with Iran 

Ankara (Web Desk/Agencies): Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan has urged US President Donald Trump to continue pursuing diplomatic channels with Iran, warning that the collapse of negotiations and growing tensions could push the region into a deeper conflict, the Turkish presidency said on Tuesday.

Turkey, which has NATO’s second-largest military and shares a border with Iran, has consistently advocated an end to the fighting. Ankara has remained in communication with Washington, Tehran and mediators including Pakistan and Qatar, while seeking to play a facilitating role between the sides.

During his conversation with Trump, Erdogan stressed that every possible diplomatic avenue should be used to address the confrontation between Iran and the United States. The Turkish president also expressed hope that negotiations would resume and reaffirmed Ankara’s willingness to contribute to efforts aimed at securing peace.

The conversation took place after a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday that Tehran was preparing to adopt a “fully offensive” military posture, citing the failure of attempts to negotiate a lasting end to the conflict.

The development came after Washington rejected an extension of a temporary ceasefire arrangement, further dimming hopes for an immediate diplomatic breakthrough.

Meanwhile, efforts to restore normal oil tanker movement through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz have also failed to make significant progress, with shipping activity remaining severely restricted.

Turkey has condemned the US and Israeli military campaign against Iran, while simultaneously denouncing Iranian strikes on Gulf countries. Ankara has also called for the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened to international shipping.

On Monday, Turkish Foreign Minister held talks with his Iranian counterpart, with discussions focusing on reopening the vital waterway and maintaining the existing ceasefire.

The Turkish presidency said Erdogan and Trump also exchanged views on Turkish-US relations, the conflict in Gaza and a newly signed defence agreement involving Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. Erdogan described the agreement as reflecting a “strong stance” in support of stability and security across the region.

Erdogan further told Trump that Israeli attacks on Palestinians had intensified even as the second stage of the US president’s Gaza Peace Plan was expected to begin.

The White House had not immediately issued a response to requests for comment regarding the telephone conversation.