Turkey and Saudi Arabia, along with other predominantly Muslim countries, have accepted U.S. President Donald Trump’s invitation to join the “Board of Peace,” a new initiative aimed at facilitating the Gaza ceasefire and broader regional stability.
The announcement came on January 22, 2026, marking a significant step in Trump’s diplomatic efforts following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and ongoing Middle East negotiations.
The board, chaired for life by Trump, includes founding members like Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, with the goal of overseeing post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza and resolving international disputes.
“The announcement came on January 22, 2026, marking a significant step in Trump’s diplomatic efforts following the Netanyahu’s acceptance to the Board of Peace and his successful call with Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed participation, stating it would promote peace in the region while protecting national interests. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman echoed this, emphasizing the board’s potential to address humanitarian issues in Gaza and foster economic cooperation.
This development expands the board’s scope beyond its initial focus on Gaza, incorporating Muslim-majority nations to balance representation. Trump highlighted the acceptances as “tremendous progress,” noting it could lead to trade deals and security pacts. However, some European countries have declined, citing concerns over the board’s structure and potential bias.
The inclusion of Turkey and Saudi Arabia underscores shifting alliances in the Middle East, with implications for U.S. foreign policy in 2026.