Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan urged US President Donald Trump in a call to continue talks with Iran to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, and offered Ankara's support in peace efforts, the Turkish presidency said in a statement on Tuesday.
The two discussed the wars in Iran and Gaza, the defense pact signed between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, and bilateral ties.
During the call Erdogan reportedly told Trump to continue talks with Iran, saying that "it is of great importance to make the utmost use of diplomacy in the tensions between Iran and the United States, that we hope the talks will continue," and adding that Turkey will support peace efforts.
Additionally, Turkey's foreign minister spoke with his Iranian counterpart in a call on Tuesday, with the pair discussing efforts to open the Strait of Hormuz and to continue the US-Iran ceasefire.
Erdogan condemned continued IDF operations in Gaza
Speaking about the war in Gaza, Erdogan said that Israel was continuing to attack Palestinians when the second phase of Trump's peace plan was supposed to have taken effect.
"At a time when we aim to move to the second stage in the Gaza peace process, there has been an increase in actions by the Israeli administration targeting Palestinians, and that Turkey will continue to support steps toward lasting peace in the region and the reconstruction of Gaza," he said.
Erdogan also spoke with Trump about the recent Joint Defense Agreement that was signed by Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan earlier this month. This "demonstrated a strong stance for ensuring regional stability and security," he said.
On Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social to commend the three countries on the signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement, adding that it "shows how the Middle East is coming together, and how Countries will finally be able to defend themselves in a more meaningful way."
Reuters contributed to this report.