Erdogan, Trump discuss Israeli-Iranian conflict in second phone call over weekend

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and former U.S. President Donald Trump held a second phone conversation over the weekend to discuss the rapidly intensifying Israeli-Iranian conflict, Turkish media reported on June 15.

According to the press office of the Turkish Presidency, the leaders exchanged views on key bilateral and regional developments, placing particular emphasis on the worsening confrontation between Israel and Iran.

“Erdogan welcomed recent statements by the U.S. President regarding the need to end the conflict between Israel and Iran and to establish peace in the region, and stressed the urgent need to take measures to prevent a catastrophe that could engulf the entire region,” the statement from Erdogan’s office said.

The Turkish president added that the only viable solution to the dispute over Iran’s nuclear programme lies in diplomacy, and that Ankara is ready to make every effort and offer support in this regard.

“Erdogan […] stated that the spiral of violence, which began with Israel’s attacks on Iran, has caused irreversible economic and civilian damage to both sides, and that this dangerous trend must be halted,” the statement emphasised.

It should be noted that the leaders of Türkiye and the United States also held a phone conversation the previous day.

By Vugar Khalilov