UPDATE - US intel chief requested Turkish mediation to defuse Israel-Iran tension: Source

UPDATES WITH MORE DETAILS

By Necva Tastan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye's intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and CIA Director William Burns recently spoke on the phone, and discussed the escalation between Iran and Israel as well as the situation in Gaza, security sources said.

Burns called Kalin during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, requesting Türkiye's mediation on Iran's possible attack on Israel, which was executed Saturday night.

Kalin also exchanged views on ongoing indirect negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza, where Israeli attacks since last October have killed nearly 34,000 Palestinians.

Kalin later had a meeting with Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the political bureau of Hamas.

The two discussed topics including cease-fire negotiations, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and return of those displaced within the enclave.