Turkey ready to mediate in Iran-Israel conflict as EU says Russia can't be 'objective'

Turkey is ready to play a "facilitating role" to end the conflict between arch foes Israel and Iran, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told his Iranian counterpart in a phone call on Monday, his office said.

During the call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Erdogan said: "Turkey is ready to play a facilitating role for the immediate end of the conflict and return to nuclear negotiations," according to his office.

The EU on Monday said Russia had "zero credibility" as a potential mediator between Iran and Israel, after US President Donald Trump suggested Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin could play a role.

"There has been a recent Russia-Iran partnership agreement, which signals deepening cooperation across multiple areas, including foreign policy and defence. In light of such, Russia cannot be an objective mediator," EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni said.