Erdogan Welcomes Extended Iran Ceasefire in Call With Trump

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the extension of the ceasefire between the United States and Iran during a phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, according to a statement from the Turkish presidency. Erdogan said he believes ongoing disputes between Washington and Tehran can be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, signaling support for regional stability in the Middle East.

Turkey, a NATO member that shares a border with Iran, has maintained active communication with the United States, Iran, and regional mediators including Pakistan in an effort to help reduce tensions and prevent further escalation. Ankara has consistently called for peace and has reportedly facilitated the exchange of messages between the conflicting sides.

Trump recently stated that negotiations with Iran were nearing the “final stages,” while also warning Tehran that additional military strikes could occur if a peace agreement is not reached. Erdogan described the extension of the ceasefire as a positive step for the region and emphasized the importance of finding a “reasonable solution” to the disputed issues between the two countries.

The Turkish presidency also noted that Erdogan highlighted the importance of preserving stability in Syria, calling it a significant achievement for the region. He additionally urged efforts to stop tensions in Lebanon from worsening amid ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah.

During the call, Erdogan informed Trump that preparations for the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara this July are continuing and that Turkey is committed to ensuring the event is successful in every aspect. The leaders also discussed broader Turkey-U.S. relations and regional cooperation.

Following the conversation, Trump described the phone call as “very good” and praised his relationship with Erdogan. Trump referred to Erdogan as a “tough guy” and said Turkey has been a strong ally despite criticism from some observers.