Aug 17, 2026

Erdogan Urges Trump to Keep Iran Talks Alive Amid Rising Gaza Tensions

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in world

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**Ankara / Washington—August 17, 2026—**Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan urged U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday to continue diplomatic talks with Iran in order to de-escalate mounting tensions while offering Ankara’s full support for peace efforts, according to Türkiye’s Communications Directorate.

In the same phone conversation, Erdogan also raised serious concerns about the situation in Gaza, warning that Israeli actions targeting Palestinians have increased precisely as efforts are under way to move Trump’s peace plan into its second phase.

Diplomacy First on Iran

Erdogan told Trump that it is “crucial to utilize diplomacy to the maximum extent possible” regarding tensions between Washington and Tehran.

He expressed hope that negotiations would continue uninterrupted and confirmed that Türkiye remains ready to support all genuine efforts aimed at securing peace.

The call comes against a complex regional backdrop in which Türkiye has repeatedly positioned itself as a mediator and advocate for dialogue rather than further military confrontation.

Regional Security and the Mecca Pact

Beyond the Iran file, Erdogan highlighted the recently signed Joint Defence Agreement between Türkiye, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in Mecca.

He presented the pact as evidence of a determined regional stance in favour of stability and security at a time of heightened volatility.

The two leaders also discussed broader Türkiye–U.S. bilateral relations and other regional and global developments.

Warning on Gaza Peace Process

Turning to Palestine, Erdogan pointed to a troubling pattern: as the Gaza peace process approaches its next stage, Israeli operations against Palestinians have intensified.

He reiterated Türkiye’s unwavering commitment to lasting peace in the region and to concrete steps for the reconstruction of the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

The remarks reflect Ankara’s long-standing criticism of Israeli military actions and its consistent calls for a political solution that protects Palestinian lives and enables rebuilding.

A Delicate Moment for Diplomacy

Monday’s conversation underscores the intricate balancing act Türkiye continues to perform — maintaining close ties with Washington while advocating restraint on Iran and stronger protection for Palestinians.

With the second phase of the Gaza plan approaching and U.S.–Iran contacts still fragile, Erdogan’s message was clear: diplomacy must remain the priority, and regional partners stand ready to help keep channels open.

As the Middle East navigates overlapping crises, the phone call between the two presidents highlights both the opportunities and the persistent obstacles on the path to de-escalation and lasting stability.