Erdoğan, Trump Discuss US-Iran Tensions and Gaza Peace Efforts

The two leaders exchanged a phone conversation, the directorate stressed, informing that they addressed Turkey-U.S. bilateral relations, as well as regional and global developments.

On the ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war between Iran and the U.S. through a permanent agreement, Erdoğan highlighted the importance of making maximum use of diplomacy.

He expressed Turkey’s hope for the continuation of the talks and noted that Turkey will continue to support peace efforts.

Turkey, alongside Pakistan and Qatar, has played a key role in de-escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. On the night Erdoğan spoke with Trump, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan elaborated on the recent developments with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi over the phone, Turkish diplomatic sources stated.

Erdoğan and Trump also discussed a defense alliance created by Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, dubbed the Mecca Pact.

According to the Communication Directorate, Erdoğan explained that the Joint Defense Agreement Turkey signed with two prominent regional powers demonstrates Ankara’s strong stance for ensuring regional stability and security. 

Trump, in a statement over the weekend, hailed the trilateral alliance as an important development for ensuring the region’s stability and security.

Another key issue raised by Erdoğan and Trump during their conversation was the recent surge in diplomatic efforts to implement the second stage of the Gaza peace plan. The U.S. president, who heads the Board of Peace, recently outlined a new roadmap for this phase.

The road map was endorsed by Hamas, while Israel has announced its rejection.

The Communications stressed that Erdoğan has drawn attention to the escalation in the Israeli administration’s actions targeting Palestinians at a time when the international community is endeavoring to proceed to the second phase in the Gaza peace process.

He also stressed that Turkey will continue to support the steps to be taken for lasting peace in the region and Gaza’s reconstruction.

 Erdoğan congratulates new British PM 

In the meantime, Erdoğan also spoke with British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on the phone late on Aug. 17.

Erdoğan congratulated Burnham on his new post, expressing his belief that the relations between the two countries will be further enhanced in the period ahead.

Stating that Turkey and the United Kingdom have advanced cooperation in key areas like defense, Erdoğan underscored the importance of the Strategic Partnership Framework and the Security and Defense Partnership Document signed by the two countries. He added that both nations will maintain joint efforts to increase trade volume and meet investment objectives.