"Trump’s Formula": Possible Recognition of Two States in Cyprus Back in the Spotlight

The Cypriot newspaper Star Kıbrıs published today an article titled “Trump’s Formula — Two Separate States?”, which examines the prospect of resolving the Cyprus issue through the creation of two independent states. The author argues that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s stance and his possible return to major politics could play a decisive role in the future status of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC).

According to the author, after decades of fruitless negotiations on a federal model, the international community is increasingly considering alternative approaches. The so-called “Trump Formula” suggests moving away from the idea of reunifying the island and recognizing the existence of two sovereign entities — the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot states.

The publication notes that the changed geopolitical situation in the Eastern Mediterranean makes this issue especially relevant. Europe seeks to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, and in this context, Cyprus’s gas fields in the Exclusive Economic Zone gain strategic importance. The author believes that the U.S. and Israel are also interested in maintaining stability and manageability in a region where Turkey continues to strengthen its influence.

According to Star Kıbrıs, Donald Trump showed interest in Middle Eastern and energy security issues during his presidency. The author claims that Trump discussed the “Cyprus question” with Egyptian leaders and considered recognizing the TRNC as part of a broader strategy aimed at bolstering American presence in the region and countering Russia.

The Greek Cypriot side, according to the article, views such signals with concern. In Nicosia, there are fears that international recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus could become irreversible, especially amid Turkey’s strengthening ties with Middle Eastern countries.

Earlier, TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel stated that the “two-state solution” is the only realistic path to lasting peace on the island. He emphasized that Northern Cyprus will act “hand in hand with Turkey” to promote its position internationally.

The Star Kıbrıs publication caused a wide response in Turkish and Northern Cypriot media, where the idea of the “Trump Formula” is being actively discussed as a possible new approach to resolving the decades-long Cyprus conflict.