Erdogan says Turkiye working to extend Iran ceasefire, continue talks

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Ankara was working to extend the ceasefire between the US and Iran, ease tensions, and ensure the continuation of talks, adding that Turkiye was hopeful of negotiations despite stumbling blocks. Turkiye, a neighbour of Iran, has been in close touch with the US, Iran, and mediator Pakistan. It has repeatedly called for an end to the war that it says is unjustified. Speaking to lawmakers in parliament, Erdogan said Israel's attacks and killing of civilians in Lebanon were harming hopes for peace, and added the window of opportunity created by the ceasefire must be seized. Read: Iran says US message exchange via Pakistan continues as Pezeshkian insists Tehran 'does not seek war' "Statements by the sides show that, while the negotiation table has not been toppled, they have reached a road bump on the nuclear issue," he said, adding tensions were also flaring again over the Strait of Hormuz. "We are conveying the necessary suggestions and carrying out initiatives to ease tensions, extend the ceasefire, and maintain talks. There can be no negotiating with clenched fists," Erdogan added. US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran could soon resume and end in a deal, after weekend negotiations in Pakistan ended with no breakthrough, while telling the world to watch out for an "amazing two days". Read More: Trump seeking 'grand bargain' with Iran: JD Vance A Turkish diplomatic source has said foreign ministers from Turkiye, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt will meet on the margins of a diplomatic forum in the southern Turkish province of Antalya at the weekend. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also due to attend. "There may be difficulties and complicated issues that will take a long time to solve, but when the focus is on the benefits of peace, and action is taken with a long-term perspective, the majority of these can be resolved," Erdogan said.