Erdogan Tells Trump Türkiye Is Monitoring Hormuz and Yemen, Backs Diplomacy
Erdogan told Trump that Türkiye and its Mecca defense partners were monitoring Hormuz and Yemen while pursuing diplomacy, according to Ankara. He also offered support for renewed Russia-Ukraine negotiations as the leaders discussed bilateral ties and regional conflicts.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told U.S. President Donald Trump that Ankara was closely monitoring developments in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen alongside its Mecca Joint Defense Alliance partners, while offering support for renewed peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
The two leaders spoke by phone on Wednesday, according to a statement from Türkiye's Directorate of Communications. Their discussions covered bilateral ties and regional and global developments.
Türkiye Raises Hormuz and Yemen With Trump
Erdogan spoke on behalf of the Mecca Joint Defense Alliance, the security pact Türkiye signed with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in August 2026.
According to the Turkish readout, he told Trump that the alliance was closely following developments in the Strait of Hormuz and Yemen and was working to resolve the problem through diplomacy.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely restricted since the U.S.-Israel war on Iran began in February. Yemen's Houthis have also reportedly stepped up attacks on Saudi Arabia, including a claimed strike on its largest refinery this week.
The alliance's diplomatic push has included talks in Tehran. On Monday, Türkiye's intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin, Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman and Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir met Iranian officials, and the four countries agreed to continue dialogue on regional peace and security.
Erdogan Offers Support for Ukraine Peace Talks
The Turkish president also raised the war between Russia and Ukraine, signaling Ankara's willingness to help restart negotiations.
According to the Turkish statement, Erdogan said Türkiye was ready to support efforts to revive the diplomatic process between Kyiv and Moscow and to end the war through that route.
The readout did not describe a new mediation proposal or any specific steps Ankara plans to take.
Bilateral Relations and Pending Disputes
Erdogan also addressed relations between Ankara and Washington. He said Türkiye would keep working to develop ties and give momentum to cooperation in every field, noting that the relationship will mark its 100th anniversary next year, according to the statement.
The call comes as the two countries continue to negotiate unresolved defense issues. Trump said in Ankara on July 7 that Washington would lift CAATSA sanctions over Türkiye's purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems, and Turkish officials say talks on the return of six paid-for F-35 jets are ongoing.
The Turkish readout did not say whether the leaders discussed either issue.
Trump Sends Republic Day Greetings
Trump congratulated Erdogan and the Turkish people on Republic Day, which Türkiye marks on Oct. 29, according to the Turkish presidency.
He also wished success for the Organization of Turkic States summit, which Erdogan will host in Ankara on Oct. 30 under the theme "Turkic Century: Unity in Language, Thought and Deed." Türkiye will take over the organization's chairmanship from Azerbaijan.
The account of the call was provided only by Ankara. As of late Wednesday, no White House statement or direct comment from Trump on the conversation had been found.
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