In a phone conversation on August 18, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan appealed to U.S. President Donald Trump to restart diplomatic negotiations with Iran. The Turkish presidency released a statement saying Erdogan emphasized the importance of diplomacy to de‑escalate the growing strain between Washington and Tehran.
Turkey’s role as mediator
Turkey, which maintains NATO’s second‑largest army and shares a border with Iran, has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities in the region. Ankara has kept open lines of communication with the United States, Iran, and regional mediators such as Pakistan and Qatar, positioning itself as an intermediary that can help bridge the divide.
“It is of great importance to make the utmost of diplomacy regarding the tensions between Iran and the United States,” the presidency said. “We hope the talks will continue, and Turkey will continue to support peace efforts.”
Recent developments heighten urgency
The call comes after a senior Iranian official warned on Monday that Iran would shift to a “fully offensive” military posture because negotiations for a permanent cease‑fire have stalled. The United States has ruled out extending a temporary cease‑fire agreement, and progress on reopening oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has also stalled.
Turkey has criticized both the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran while condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf states. Ankara has repeatedly called for the reopening of the strategic strait, a vital conduit for global oil shipments.
Broader regional discussions
During the same conversation, Erdogan and Trump reportedly discussed bilateral ties, the war in Gaza, and a defence pact signed earlier this year between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan. Erdogan praised the agreement as a “strong stance” for regional stability and security.
The Turkish leader also told Trump that Israel’s attacks on Palestinians had increased at a time when the second phase of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan was slated to begin.
U.S. response
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the call.
While the conversation underscores Turkey’s desire to play a constructive role in Middle‑East diplomacy, the broader context remains fraught. Iran’s threatened offensive posture, the stalled cease‑fire, and ongoing disputes over the Strait of Hormuz all contribute to a volatile environment that could impact global energy markets and regional security.
Observers note that any renewed diplomatic effort will need to address not only the immediate military tensions but also the underlying political grievances that have fueled the conflict for years. Turkey’s willingness to act as a facilitator may provide a channel for dialogue, but success will depend on the willingness of both Washington and Tehran to engage in substantive negotiations.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
