US-Turkey Relations See Pragmatic Shift

The United States and Turkey have transitioned towards increased coordination and dispute management in 2025, moving past persistent crises such as S-400 sanctions and the People's Defense Units (YPG) in Syria. This shift, driven by leadership diplomacy and a focus on areas of mutual interest, aims to establish a more permanent working arrangement in 2026. Key areas of cooperation include results-oriented efforts in Gaza and potential post-Bashar al-Assad Syria.

Leadership-level engagement, exemplified by President Erdoğan's 2025 visit to Washington, has reactivated crucial diplomatic channels, enabling technical negotiations by overcoming political deadlocks. This momentum is expected to be institutionalized through regular strategic dialogues and rapid contact mechanisms. In Gaza, despite differing rhetoric, both nations achieved practical results in 2025 on ceasefire efforts, humanitarian aid access, and diplomatic coordination, demonstrating a joint crisis management capacity.

Looking into 2026, the post-Assad era in Syria presents an opportunity for reframing bilateral relations, with shared interests in stability, territorial integrity, and reconstruction. This convergence could transform Syria from a point of contention into an area of partial alignment. The July 2026 NATO Summit, preceded by a visit from former President Trump to Ankara, is anticipated to further leverage institutional cooperation and solidify these emerging areas of agreement.