This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up on Monday’s top developments here:
- Lebanon’s president says country will stick to Israel framework, counts on US to implement deal
- Kushner, Netanyahu meet in Jerusalem
- Stocks lower as Hormuz concerns and high oil prices persist
- Yemen's Houthis say targeted Saudi military vessel in Red Sea
- Trump threatens to bomb Oman if they get in way of Hormuz deal
Erdogan stresses continued support for lasting regional peace in call with Trump
Published: Aug 18, 2026 | 03:14 GMT | by Web Desk
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan spoke with US President Donald Trump and stressed continued support for the steps to be taken toward lasting peace in the region and the reconstruction of Gaza.
While speaking on the phone, the two leaders addressed Türkiye-US bilateral relations and regional and global developments.
Stressing the importance of making maximum use of diplomacy in the tensions between Iran and the US, President Erdoğan expressed Türkiye’s hope for the continuation of the talks, and noted that Türkiye will continue to support peace efforts, the presidency said in a post on X.
"President Erdoğan said that we, through the Joint Defence Agreement that we signed with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, demonstrate a strong stance for ensuring regional stability and security," it added.
"Drawing attention to the escalation in the Israeli administration’s actions targeting Palestinians at a time when we are endeavoring to proceed to the second phase in the Gaza peace process, President Erdoğan stressed that we, as Türkiye, will continue to support the steps to be taken for lasting peace in the region and Gaza’s reconstruction."
For earlier developments, read our Aug 17 live blog here.