What are the relations between the US and Türkiye like?
What are the relations between the US and Turkey like?
Posted on May 10, 2026 by Dtesca
What are the relations between the US and Turkey like?
The strongest and oldest link in the relationship is NATO membership.
The relationship between the US and Turkey is a highly complex structure, frequently oscillating between “strategic partnership” and “model partnership” in diplomatic circles, but in recent years becoming focused on “crisis management.” As of 2026, relations between the two countries are based on a balance of deep military ties, economic interdependence, and unresolved chronic disagreements.
We can summarize the main pillars and lines of tension in the relationship as follows:
- Security and Defense Cooperation (NATO Link)
The strongest and oldest link in the relationship is NATO membership.
Strategic Location: Turkey continues to be seen as an indispensable ally protecting NATO’s southeastern flank and hosting critical bases such as Incirlik.
Defense Industry: The sale of F-16 modernization kits and Turkey’s advancements in its domestic defense industry (UAVs/UASs) have opened a new chapter in defense diplomacy with the US. However, the S-400 issue, which led to Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program, has not yet been fully resolved.
- Key Points of Disagreement (Crisis Areas)
There are three main issues that have brought relations to the breaking point or constantly strained them:
The YPG/PYD Issue: While Turkey views the YPG in northern Syria as an extension of the PKK and a terrorist organization, the US continues to support these groups as field partners in the fight against ISIS. This is the biggest source of “trust crisis” between the two countries.
FETÖ: The fact that the leader of the organization resides in the US and has not been extradited after the July 15 coup attempt has created serious disappointment in Ankara. Eastern Mediterranean and Israel: Turkey’s tough stance on the Palestinian issue and tensions with Israel are creating pressure against Turkey through pro-Israel lobbies in the US Congress.
- Economic Relations and “Win-Win” Policy
Despite political crises, the economy remains the most stable area of relations.
Trade Volume: The trade volume between the two countries has exceeded $30 billion. The US has become one of Turkey’s largest export markets.
Energy: Turkey’s strategy to reduce its dependence on Russian gas by increasing its LNG (liquefied natural gas) purchases from the US is bringing the two countries closer in the energy sector. - 2026 Perspective: Balance of Power Politics
Turkey is pursuing a “balance of power politics” through its mediating role in the Russia-Ukraine war and its dialogue with platforms such as BRICS. Although the US sometimes views this as a “question of loyalty,” it avoids completely severing relations because Turkey is one of the rare actors that can speak to both the West and the East.
Summary Table: State of Relations
Topic Status Trend
NATO Commitment Very Strong Stable
Syria/YPG Conflict Negative
Trade Growing Positive
Law/Democracy Critical Volatile
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