Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that Ankara was working to extend a ceasefire between ​the US and Iran, ease tensions, and ensure the continuation of ‌talks, and added 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 in Lebanon were harming hopes for peace, and added the window of ​opportunity created by the ceasefire must be seized.

“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”.

A Turkish diplomatic source has said that 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 over the weekend. Pakistan’s ⁠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.