Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the cease-fire between the Syrian army and the YPG/PKK-linked Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) expires on Saturday and an extension may be needed amid the current situation, as he highlighted Türkiye's determination to support regional and international peace efforts.
Speaking on a live broadcast on NTV news channel, Fidan said Friday that the four-day cease-fire between the Syrian regime and the SDF remains fragile and may need to be extended due to ongoing security concerns, including the planned transfer of Daesh detainees from Syria to Iraq.
"We’re in the middle of the four-day cease-fire between the Syrian army and the SDF. The situation on the ground is fragile,” Fidan told reporters, noting that multiple developments led to the current truce.
"There is now talk of extending the cease-fire. There is active diplomatic traffic, and we are involved. We don’t want to see any fighting. I hope this will lead to a positive peace process.”
Asked what would happen if no agreement is reached and whether Damascus could launch operations in Ain al-Arab, Qamishli or Hassakeh, Fidan said: "I hope there will be a serious will to solve this through dialogue.”
Fidan also addressed the rapid collapse of the SDF in recent weeks, saying the outcome was expected. "It honestly wasn’t a surprise to me,” he said. "We have long understood the dynamics in Arab-majority areas occupied by the YPG. We knew the tribal structure well and were aware of how and when these tribes could rise up.”
Fidan said Friday that the recent collapse of YPG-held positions in Arab-majority areas of Syria did not come as a surprise, stressing that Ankara has long understood the tribal dynamics that shape the region.
"It honestly wasn’t a surprise to me,” Fidan said. "We knew very well the dynamics in Arab-majority areas occupied by the YPG. For years, we have studied the tribal structure and understood how and when these tribes could rise up.”
Asked whether the terrorist PKK influence in Syria could come to an end, Fidan said the organization’s Syrian structure remains directly controlled by terrorist leadership.
"Mazloum Abdi is only a message carrier who follows the instructions given to him,” he said. "The KCK tells the YPG to enter politics and they do. They are fully tied to Qandil. Non-Syrian PKK members must leave the region. The PKK presence in Sinjar is not sustainable. The organization must transform itself before it faces destruction.”
Fidan also criticized the SDF leadership for ignoring Ankara’s warnings. "The SDF is not listening to any message coming from Ankara,” he said. "They should not allow themselves to be used as instruments for others’ agendas.”
Türkiye remains deeply engaged in efforts to stabilize Gaza, advance the newly formed Peace Board’s work and manage rising tensions across the region, while warning that major-power uncertainty has underscored the importance of cooperation among "middle powers.”
Speaking to reporters on a wide range of regional issues, Fidan said the SDF was ignoring all messages from Ankara and cautioned that the group should not allow itself to become an instrument of external agendas.
Peace Board and Gaza efforts
Fidan outlined how the newly established Peace Board will operate in Gaza, saying two committees have been formed: one responsible for supporting Gaza’s national administration, and a second tasked with the secretariat functions.
"Gaza is our urgent priority. We are just at the beginning,” Fidan said, noting that the Rafah crossing could reopen next week. He said Türkiye continues uninterrupted humanitarian operations through the Turkish Red Crescent, but warned that living conditions remain dire in the cold winter weather. "They are forced to live in tents. Now the issue is transporting containers,” he added.
The minister said additional member states are expected to join the Peace Board, with six or seven countries currently in talks. "We may settle at around 25-30 members. Our work in Gaza will not be easy; in fact, a new phase of struggle is beginning,” he said.
Possibility of Turkish troops in Gaza
Asked whether Türkiye would send troops to Gaza, Fidan said Ankara maintains a clear position despite Israeli objections.
"Israel opposes anything related to us, but our efforts will continue. If the necessary conditions emerge, we have the will to provide military support,” he said.
Fidan said Hamas’ disarmament is a topic that must be addressed within the broader roadmap. "Our number-one priority is ensuring that the population of Gaza remains in Gaza,” he stressed.
Middle powers and the shifting global order
Responding to remarks by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney that the rules-based order is weakening, Fidan said major powers have entered a period of uncertainty that increases the responsibilities of mid-level states.
"Major powers have stepped into an area of ambiguity. In this void, solidarity among middle powers is extremely important,” he said. "Middle powers are still trying to discover how to maintain this line. Our president has been warning of this collapse for a long time. It is interesting that Canada is only now saying this.”
Fidan also said Türkiye favors the creation of a broad, inclusive regional alliance.
"The wider the participation, the better. But if needed, a core group can start the process. Our region needs such a beginning. We want to establish an alliance that reduces polarization,” he said.
Commenting on Washington’s renewed attention to Greenland, Fidan said the U.S. strategic interest in the island was not new.
"America’s ambition regarding this is no secret. The question is how it should be handled. Under Trump, there was a clear push. Any territorial loss of this kind would lead to the collapse of the alliance,” he said.
Iran protests and rising tensions
Fidan also addressed the unrest in Iran, saying the country is experiencing severe economic hardship that fuels public anger, though such discontent should not automatically be interpreted as direct opposition to the regime.
"The protests are genuine, but they will not lead to what some outsiders expect,” he said. "We as people of this region do not want a new war.”
Fidan recalled intense diplomatic phone traffic on the night rumors circulated that the United States might intervene militarily in Iran. "I hope Iran finds a way forward,” he said, warning that there are signs Israel may be exploring options to strike Iran.