Turkish president, Qatari emir discuss Iran cease-fire, regional turmoil

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a phone call with Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday to discuss the Iran cease-fire and recent regional developments, Türkiye’s Communications Directorate said.

During the call, Erdogan said the two-week cease-fire presents "an important opportunity" for achieving lasting peace and stability and stressed that it "should not be wasted," according to a statement by the directorate.

He added that Türkiye will continue to contribute to peace efforts in the coming period.

Erdogan also conveyed his well wishes to the Qatari emir following recent attacks targeting Qatar.

He said Türkiye appreciates Qatar’s "constructive stance" during the process.

The leaders exchanged views on the cease-fire and broader regional developments.

While simultaneously attacking Iran since Feb. 28, Israel has carried out airstrikes and a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2, despite a cease-fire that took effect in November 2024.

After Pakistani mediation, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a two-week cease-fire with Iran, saying Tehran presented a "workable" 10-point proposal for negotiations.

The announcement came less than two hours before the expiration of a deadline Trump had repeatedly extended for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and accept an agreement or face "the destruction of an entire civilization."