In a phone call, Erdogan said that events around the aggression on Iran are headed toward a geostrategic deadlock and urged the international community to step up efforts to end the war, according to a statement on Turkish social media platform NSosyal, Anadolu Agency reported.

Erdogan said Turkey also continues its efforts to ensure that the Russia-Ukraine war ends with peace.

He also marked NATO’s 77th anniversary during the call, reiterating expectations that its summit in the Turkish capital Ankara this July will take decisions to make the alliance more resilient and effective in the face of future challenges.

Turkey, one of the oldest members of NATO, joined the alliance in 1952, nearly 75 years ago. It boasts the second-largest army in the alliance.