Erdogan backs Trump ceasefire, urges Gaza peace

English , Middle East - مشرق وسطٰی , Snippets , / Thursday, June 26th, 2025

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Anadolu Agency
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday welcomed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s role in brokering a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, calling for similar efforts to resolve the crises in Gaza and Ukraine.
Speaking aboard his return flight from the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Erdogan said, “I told Trump that the same level of effort is expected to help end the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.”
He warned that closure of the Strait of Hormuz would be catastrophic but expressed confidence that Iran would not take such a step. Erdogan added that Türkiye is boosting domestic energy resources and continues natural gas imports from Iran without disruption.
Commenting on Türkiye’s defense capabilities, Erdogan said the country is developing an integrated air defense system, the “Steel Dome,” and expressed hope for progress on the F-35 fighter jet program, stating Türkiye was unfairly removed from it.
On Syria, Erdogan reiterated Türkiye’s support for a united Syria and urged the Syrian Democratic Forces to integrate with the national army.
Regarding Ukraine, Erdogan emphasized the need for a just and lasting peace and revealed Türkiye’s intent to host a third round of peace talks, building on trust from both Russia and Ukraine.
Addressing Gaza, Erdogan condemned Israel’s military operations, accusing it of systematic atrocities and obstructing humanitarian aid. He noted that French President Emmanuel Macron promised to speak with Israeli authorities, and welcomed the gesture.
Since October 2023, Israel’s offensive in Gaza has killed over 56,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Erdogan highlighted the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli leaders and the genocide case pending at the International Court of Justice.
“We continue to pursue a solution-oriented approach,” Erdogan concluded, voicing hope for greater international cooperation to restore regional peace.