Responding to a question on Syria being a point of tension between the US and Türkiye in the past, Fidan stressed that what US President Donald Trump is trying to do in foreign policy makes a difference, emphasising his efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and to stop the war between Russia and Ukraine.
“When it comes to Syria, our perspectives largely overlap. The Trump administration wants the new Syrian administration to take responsibility and act as a responsible member of the international community,” Fidan said.
“Damascus is responding quite well to the demands of regional and international actors,” he added.
“For the past 14 years, the world has faced two major consequences of the Syrian conflict: mass migration and terrorism,” he said, noting that millions of Syrians were forced to flee their homes.
He added that Syrian President Ahmed al Sharaa’s visit to Washington and his signing of the charter to include the new government in the international coalition against Daesh were a meaningful step. While acknowledging occasional disagreements among the US, Damascus, and the YPG, Fidan said extensive talks are ongoing to resolve the issues smoothly.
Gaza peace efforts and mediation
Coming to Palestine, Fidan said the Gaza peace plan was introduced as part of ongoing efforts to address the crisis in the enclave, building on a process that began in September last year in New York when eight Muslim country leaders met Trump to seek ways to halt the genocide.
“We believe the board of peace is a platform where we can advance the Gaza agenda,” he said, noting that the initiative has since moved forward through sustained consultations, institution-building, and agreements.
He stressed that Ankara’s present position is to do whatever is possible to contribute to the ongoing peace process in Gaza, whether in humanitarian, military, or political form.
Fidan said Türkiye has made it clear it would not resume trade with Israel while the war continues and humanitarian aid is prevented from entering Gaza, underscoring Ankara’s firm stance on the issue.
”Our problem is not with Israel; our problem is with Israeli policies in the region, especially toward the Palestinians, and, most recently, the genocide in Gaza,” Fidan said.
Truce second phase
Responding to a question on how future agreements would be enforced if Hamas is fully disarmed in the deal’s second phase, he said the group has never served as a military deterrent to Israel due to the imbalance of power, with Israel backed by the US.
He said Hamas could maintain local security in Gaza but was never a deterrent, and that “one proposal is the creation of an international stabilisation force. If implemented, it could help ensure security for both sides and prevent violations of agreements.”
On Türkiye’s possible participation in an international force for Gaza, he said the issue would depend on comprehensive negotiations, noting that the country is part of the Board of Peace and the Gaza national committee.
He added that Ankara, alongside Egypt, Qatar, and the US, is a core member of the mediation group.
“If asked, we are ready to contribute military units.”
Iran tensions
On a possible Israeli attack on Iran, Fidan said Tel Aviv mainly aims to weaken Tehran’s critical military capabilities, and doubted if they could achieve regime change.
“It’s wrong. It’s wrong to attack Iran. It’s wrong to start the war again. Iran is ready to negotiate on the nuclear file again. My advice to the American friends is to resolve issues step by step, starting with the nuclear issues.
He urged Iran to find ways to cooperate with different ideologies and systems in the country.
Ukraine and NATO’s future
On a potential peace deal between Ukraine and Russia, Fidan expressed his hope that the agreement is “closer than ever,” and also touched upon Türkiye’s mediator role between the two parties.
“Any peace agreement will involve not only Russia and Ukraine, but also Europe and the US,” he said.
Pointing out NATO’s future, Fidan urged Europe to improve its defence capacity, though the alliance “remains the primary security framework.”
He said major European countries, including the UK and Türkiye, should discuss a new security architecture and create their own “centre of gravity” instead of relying indefinitely on external powers.
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