Last week, President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had their first phone call since Trump took office in January. This conversation comes at a time when U.S.-Turkey relations are changing significantly. Steve Witkoff, a special envoy for Trump, described the call as a major shift during a podcast with Tucker Carlson.
The discussion took place amid ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict and the Russia-Ukraine war. However, it could signal a more positive direction for Turkish-American relations. Witkoff believes this call hints at upcoming good news for Turkey, including the possibility of lifting U.S. sanctions and reinstating Turkey in the F-35 fighter jet program. This would depend on Turkey’s actions regarding its Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, which has raised concerns in Washington.
Trump’s foreign policy approach seems to focus on making deals rather than sticking to traditional U.S. military involvement abroad. This could benefit Turkey, as the U.S. appears less interested in getting involved in Middle Eastern conflicts that do not have clear benefits for America. Instead, the Trump administration may allow Turkey to take a more prominent role in the region.
Trump has shown he wants to improve ties with Turkey, especially after relations soured during the Biden administration over Turkey’s S-400 purchase. His team is looking for ways to exempt Turkey from U.S. sanctions, indicating a desire to reset relations.
This phone call comes at a crucial time for Turkey, which is becoming more influential in a world where power is shifting. Notably, U.S.-Russia talks recently took place in Istanbul, showcasing Turkey’s role as a mediator between two powerful nations. Additionally, the U.S. has extended Turkey’s exemption from certain sanctions until May 2025, further indicating a warming relationship.
While Turkey faces its own internal issues, such as protests following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, these challenges do not seem to significantly affect U.S.-Turkey relations. A State Department spokesperson emphasized that the U.S. respects Turkey’s internal decisions but expects it to uphold the rights of its citizens.
Turkey’s stance on the Gaza situation sets it apart from many in the international community. While it views Hamas as a legitimate authority, Trump’s mixed messages about Gaza suggest he may be open to unconventional solutions, potentially leading to cooperation with Turkey as a mediator.
In Syria, the interests of Turkey, the U.S., and Israel often clash. Turkey supports the new Syrian government, while Israel seeks to counterbalance Turkey’s influence. Under Trump, the U.S. seems ready to withdraw further from Syria, aligning with Turkey’s desire to take on a stabilizing role in the region.
The growing ties between Turkey and Azerbaijan add another layer of complexity, especially as Azerbaijan strengthens its relationship with Israel. This could isolate Turkey unless it also engages in similar agreements.
Overall, the call between Trump and Erdoğan marks a potential turning point in U.S.-Turkey relations. Both leaders appear eager to reshape their partnership, focusing on shared interests in the Middle East. This cooperation could ease the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers by reducing the need for extensive military support abroad. As the 2026 midterms approach, this partnership could bolster Trump’s standing domestically, but it remains to be seen if it can overcome existing challenges.