Trump and Syria's al-Sharaa discuss unity, counterterrorism in call

U.S. President Donald Trump and Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa held a significant phone call on Monday, discussing the ongoing situation in Syria with a focus on the country's unity and the shared fight against terrorism. The dialogue, confirmed by a statement from the Syrian presidency, underscores a pivotal moment of diplomatic contact between the two nations.

A Shared Stance on Sovereignty and Daesh

According to the readout from Damascus, both leaders emphasized the critical need to preserve Syria's territorial integrity and independence. They voiced support for initiatives aimed at achieving lasting stability within the war-torn nation. Furthermore, the two presidents agreed to maintain collaborative efforts in combating the terrorist threat posed by Daesh.

The Kurdish Question and Regional Issues

The conversation also touched upon the status of Kurdish people in Syria, with both sides underscoring the necessity to "guarantee the rights and protection of the Kurdish people within the framework of the Syrian state." This point is of particular strategic interest to Türkiye, a key regional actor which has consistently opposed any separatist movements along its southern border. The call additionally covered broader regional matters, highlighting a perceived need to offer Syria a pathway toward a new future.

Context of a Complex Conflict

The direct discussion between the American and Syrian heads of state occurs within the context of a protracted civil conflict that has drawn in numerous international and regional powers, including Türkiye and Russia. Türkiye's primary concerns in northern Syria have long centered on national security, the prevention of a terrorist corridor, and the preservation of Syria's political unity against separatist agendas.