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Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most s...
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday held a video call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al‑Sharaa to discuss regional security, humanitarian aid routes and potential reconstruction projects.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a videoconference on Wednesday with U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Syria’s interim President Ahmed al‑Sharaa, state‑run Anadolu Agency reported. Statements released in Ankara, Riyadh, and Washington said the leaders reviewed regional security, Syria’s reconstruction prospects, and potential economic cooperation.
According to officials briefed on the call, the discussion began with an overview of the humanitarian situation in Gaza and northern Syria. Erdogan and bin Salman outlined proposals for coordinated aid corridors via Türkiye's Cilvegözü border gate and Saudi logistics centers on the Red Sea. A U.S. official said President Trump welcomed steps that could speed humanitarian deliveries.
The conversation then turned to Syria’s economic outlook. President Sharaa expressed interest in attracting foreign investment for infrastructure projects if international sanctions are eased. The White House said President Trump reiterated that any sanctions review would follow progress toward previously stated political and security benchmarks.
Crown Prince Mohammed provided details of a recently announced 600‑billion‑dollar strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States, noting that future projects could include ventures in Syria if conditions allow. Turkish officials highlighted Ankara’s plan for a road‑and‑rail corridor linking Iraqi and Syrian territory to Turkish Mediterranean ports.
Diplomats from the four capitals are expected to form a working group to develop confidence‑building measures, confirm humanitarian‑aid mechanisms, and evaluate financing options for reconstruction. Findings are due to be presented at a minister‑level meeting in Istanbul next month.
No timeline was set for further talks at the head‑of‑state level, but all sides described the videoconference as a useful step toward reducing tensions and exploring areas of mutual interest.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Monday it was reviewing U.S. President Donald Trump's comments on scaling back joint military drills. It added that it hoped a favourable relationship between Washington and Pyongyang could lead to meaningful talks.
Russia said its air defences downed 180 drones over the Moscow region overnight, with 620 drones reportedly targeting the area, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
South Korea and the United States are scaling back their annual joint military exercises following an order from U.S. President Donald Trump to substantially reduce American participation.
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