Trump, Erdogan discuss Iran, Syria, Libya

United States President Donald Trump, and Turkish counterpart Recep Tayip Erdogan discussed Iran, Syria and Libya during a telephone conversation.

Both countries confirmed the conversation, through separate communiqués, but no more details were provided.

Tensions are increasing between the West and Tehran, after Iran acknowledged that its forces deliberately “” shot a Ukrainian plane on January 8th, sparking anger around the world, including the thousands of Iranians who took to the streets to protest.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has planned a meeting with leaders of Turkey, Russia, the United States, Britain, China, France and Italy on January 19th to discuss armed conflict in Libya.

UN Secretary - General Antonio Guterres has also said that he will participate in the meeting.

Turkey's president, Recep Tayip Erdogan, said in early January, Turkish troops have started settling in Libya after the Turkish Parliament approved such a move.

Erdogan said their mission would be to ensure stability for Government in Tripoli, supported by the United Nations.

This government is fighting a rebellion by rebel forces led by General Khalifa Haftar, based east of Libya.

Haftar is backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, while the government in Tripoli has the backing of Turkey and its ally, Qatar.

Several countries, including the United States, have rejected Turkey's intervention in Libya.