Erdoğan and Trump Hold Key Call on Syria, Gaza, and Global Security

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump held a high-level phone conversation to discuss critical developments in Syria, the fight against ISIS, and efforts to establish lasting peace in Gaza, alongside broader bilateral, regional, and global issues. The call underscored ongoing diplomatic engagement between Ankara and Washington at a time of heightened geopolitical sensitivity across the Middle East.

According to an official statement released by Türkiye’s Communications Directorate, the two leaders exchanged views on the current state of Turkey–U.S. relations and assessed major international developments affecting regional stability. The conversation reflects a renewed focus on coordination between the two NATO allies, particularly on security and conflict resolution.

Syria at the Center of the Talks

Syria emerged as a central topic during the call. President Erdoğan emphasized that Türkiye continues to closely monitor developments in the country and reaffirmed Ankara’s longstanding position on Syria’s future. He stressed that Syria’s unity, political cohesion, and territorial integrity remain fundamental priorities for Türkiye.

The leaders also discussed the ongoing fight against ISIS, including the situation of ISIS detainees held in prisons across Syria. Erdoğan underlined that a Syria free from terrorism, economically viable, and socially stable would contribute significantly to regional peace and security. He noted that sustainable development and security must advance together to prevent the resurgence of extremist threats.

Coordination on Gaza Peace Efforts

Another key focus of the conversation was Gaza and international efforts aimed at establishing peace and long-term stability. President Erdoğan thanked President Trump for extending an invitation to Türkiye to participate in the Gaza Peace Board, an international initiative proposed by the U.S. to oversee post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction.

Erdoğan stated that Türkiye remains committed to working in close coordination with the United States to support peace initiatives in Gaza. This position highlights Ankara’s intent to remain diplomatically and operationally engaged in efforts aimed at easing humanitarian suffering and promoting political solutions.

The discussion comes amid renewed debate over the structure and implementation of the Gaza peace plan. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently claimed in a speech to the Israeli parliament that Turkish and Qatari forces would not be permitted to take part in the second phase of the U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan—remarks that have drawn regional attention.

Official Statement from the Communications Directorate

The Communications Directorate summarized the call with the following statement, translated into English:

“President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held a phone conversation with President of the United States Donald Trump.

The leaders discussed bilateral relations between Türkiye and the United States, as well as regional and global developments. During the call, President Erdoğan stated that Türkiye closely follows developments in Syria and emphasized that Syria’s unity, solidarity, and territorial integrity are important for Türkiye.

The fight against ISIS and the situation of ISIS members held in prisons in Syria were also discussed. President Erdoğan noted that a fully developed, terrorism-free, and peaceful Syria would contribute to regional stability.

President Erdoğan stated that efforts to establish peace in Gaza are ongoing and that Türkiye will continue to act in coordination with the United States on this issue.

President Erdoğan thanked President Trump for the invitation to the Gaza Peace Board.”

Trump Had Signaled the Call in Advance

The phone conversation followed remarks made earlier by President Trump during a White House press conference marking his first year back in office. Trump had previewed the discussion, describing it as highly significant and emphasizing his personal rapport with the Turkish leader.

“I have a very important phone call with President Erdoğan, whom I like very much,” Trump said at the time.

Analysts view the Erdoğan–Trump call as a signal of sustained dialogue between the two leaders despite differing positions on certain regional issues. The emphasis on Syria’s territorial integrity, counterterrorism cooperation, and Gaza peace efforts suggests an attempt to find overlapping interests amid complex geopolitical dynamics.