The National Security Council (NSC) is set to hold its third meeting of 2025 on Thursday at the Beştepe Presidential Complex, chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The high-level gathering will focus on several critical national and international issues shaping Türkiye’s current security landscape.

‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ Tops the Agenda

A key item on the NSC’s agenda will be the evaluation of the government’s ongoing ‘Terror-Free Türkiye’ initiative. The Council is expected to deliberate on the recent announcement by the PKK regarding its decision to lay down arms and dissolve. Ankara remains firm that this disarmament must also extend to the group’s affiliates in Syria and Europe, not just within Türkiye.

The Council will examine field reports prepared by the Turkish Armed Forces and the National Intelligence Organization (MIT) concerning implementation mechanisms for the PKK's disarmament phase and further strategies to secure lasting peace within Turkish borders.

Diplomatic Tracks on Syria to Be Reviewed

Efforts to stabilize Syria will also figure prominently. The NSC will review the outcomes of recent diplomatic engagements between President Erdoğan and global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Intelligence chief İbrahim Kalın’s recent meetings in Damascus are expected to be discussed as part of the broader assessment of Türkiye’s evolving diplomatic posture toward Syria.

Mediation Role in the Russia–Ukraine War

With the Russia–Ukraine conflict entering its fourth year, the NSC will assess Türkiye’s ongoing role as a regional mediator. Updates on the Istanbul peace talks, recent communications between the warring parties, and Türkiye’s contributions to the diplomatic process will be presented. The Council will also debate potential next steps to maintain Ankara’s position as a credible and active peace broker.

Gaza Crisis: Türkiye’s Humanitarian and Diplomatic Response

The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza due to continued Israeli military assaults will also be reviewed. Türkiye’s diplomatic outreach on global platforms, including calls for ceasefire and accountability, as well as initiatives for the delivery of humanitarian aid, are expected to be highlighted. The Council will likely discuss Ankara’s evolving regional strategy in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza and Türkiye’s alignment with international calls for justice.

Strategic Decisions Ahead

The outcomes of Thursday’s NSC meeting are anticipated to shape Türkiye’s national security doctrine in the coming months. From counter-terrorism and conflict mediation to humanitarian diplomacy, the decisions taken will provide direction to Ankara’s domestic and foreign policy trajectory during a time of mounting regional tensions and shifting global dynamics. (ILKHA)