Turkish-American relations have long been shaped by a complex interplay of strategic interests, political divergences, and shifting geopolitical realities. Last week, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington, marking a critical moment in bilateral relations. Their discussions covered an array of pressing issues, including defense cooperation, trade agreements, and regional security concerns. Concurrently, diplomatic preparations are underway for reciprocal visits by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump, following what Ankara described as a “highly positive” phone conversation between the two leaders. The US, in turn, characterized the dialogue as “transformational,” signaling a potential shift in the trajectory of the relationship.

For years, the relationship between these NATO allies has been constrained by a series of unresolved disputes, with each new US administration inheriting and often exacerbating these tensions. The Biden administration saw an increase in disagreements over issues such as Syria, defense procurement, and Turkiye’s relations with Russia. However, with Trump’s return to the White House, Ankara senses an opportunity to recalibrate ties with Washington on more favorable terms. The fundamental question remains: Can Turkiye and the US build a stable and mutually beneficial partnership, or will the persistent undercurrents of divergence once again undermine rapprochement?

One of the most contentious issues in Turkiye-US relations is Washington’s military presence in Syria. Fidan emphasized to Rubio that Trump should withdraw US troops from the region, arguing that such a move would be financially beneficial for Washington. Turkiye’s message to the US is clear: regional actors are capable of managing the fight against Daesh without US involvement. Ankara also views the US support for........

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