Turkey acts as go-between in US-Iran tensions

Turkey is acting as an intermediary between Iran and the United States, passing messages aimed at easing tensions and paving the way for possible direct talks, a senior official has said.

Harun Armagan, deputy foreign minister in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, said Ankara was helping to relay communications between the two sides. He added that messages were also being conveyed to Gulf countries involved in the conflict.

Turkey has previously sought to mediate between Washington and Tehran and has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire. Erdogan has said Ankara will continue its diplomatic efforts to secure peace.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Turkey was offering 'friendly' advice to Iran to prevent the conflict from spreading, while maintaining contact with the United States to better understand both positions. Diplomatic sources said Ankara has also held talks with US officials and Iran's foreign minister on ways to end the fighting.

However, Iran's military has dismissed claims by US President Donald Trump that negotiations are under way. Meanwhile, NATO air defences have intercepted three Iranian missiles heading towards Turkey since the conflict began.

(reuters, max)