Turkey is acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran by passing messages aimed at reducing tensions and encouraging direct negotiations, Reuters reported, citing a senior official from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s ruling party.
Harun Armağan, vice chair of foreign affairs for the Justice and Development Party (AKP), told Reuters on Wednesday that Ankara was playing a role in facilitating communication between the two sides amid the ongoing conflict.
He did not provide details about the content of the messages but said they were also being conveyed to Gulf countries affected by the growing regional war triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran’s military on Wednesday denied US President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington was engaged in negotiations to end the war, Reuters reported.
Turkey, a NATO member, had sought to mediate between Washington and Tehran even before the conflict escalated nearly a month ago and has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire.
Erdoğan has said Ankara would continue to use all available means to help secure peace.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has also been engaged in diplomatic contacts, previously saying Turkey was offering what he described as “friendly” advice to Iran to avoid further escalation while maintaining communication with US officials to assess both sides’ positions.
A Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters that Fidan had spoken with US officials as well as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and other counterparts to discuss possible steps toward ending the conflict.
The developments come as Turkey has taken on a more active mediation role along with Egypt and Pakistan amid growing concerns that the conflict could spread further across the region.
Since the start of the war, three Iranian missiles heading toward Turkey have been intercepted by NATO air defense systems, highlighting the risk of spillover into neighboring countries.
Iranian president thanks Turkey as Erdoğan criticizes Israel
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday thanked President Erdoğan and the Turkish people for what he described as Turkey’s firm stance against Israel, one day after Erdoğan sharply criticized Israel over the escalating conflict.
Pezeshkian shared the message in Turkish on X, highlighting historical and religious ties between the two countries and praising Ankara’s position.
T.C. Cumhurbaşkanı, aziz kardeşim Sayın R.T. Erdoğan’ın saldırgan Siyonist rejimi kınama konusundaki kararlı tutumu takdire şayandır.Kardeş Türk milleti, uzun yıllardır İslam ümmetiyle dayanışmada önemli bir rol üstlenmiştir. Bu şerefli yolu, ilahî lütufla birlikte devam edeceğiz
— Masoud Pezeshkian (@drpezeshkian) March 25, 2026
“The resolute stance of my dear brother, President R.T. Erdoğan, in condemning the aggressive Zionist regime is commendable,” Pezeshkian said, adding that the Turkish people have long played an important role in solidarity with the Muslim world.
Speaking after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday on the situation in the Gulf, Erdoğan said Israel must not be allowed to undermine diplomatic efforts in the region.
“Israel cannot be permitted to undermine diplomatic settlement efforts in the Gulf region in pursuit of its own interests,” he said, calling for an immediate halt to the war and a return to negotiations.
“This senseless, illegal war must end, and the door to dialogue must be opened,” Erdoğan said, adding that Israel’s “uncompromising, maximalist and radical stance” was damaging diplomatic efforts.
He also warned that the conflict “is Israel’s war, but the whole world is paying the price.”
The exchange of messages comes amid growing fears of a wider regional conflict, as military tensions and disruptions to key energy routes continue to affect global markets.