U.S. President Donald Trump said that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was among the regional leaders who could have become directly involved in the recent conflict with Iran, but ultimately chose not to do so following discussions with Washington.
Speaking in the Oval Office alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump suggested that Erdoğan had been a leading candidate to enter the conflict and noted that the Turkish leader has often taken positions critical of Israel.
“Erdogan was a leading candidate to enter the war against Iran, perhaps even alongside Iran, because he is not exactly a great admirer of Israel, as you know,” Trump said.
Trump: "I Asked Him Not to Get Involved"
According to Trump, he personally urged the Turkish president to stay out of the conflict.
“I asked him not to get involved, and he respected that,” Trump said.
The remarks provide a rare glimpse into behind-the-scenes diplomatic contacts during the regional crisis and suggest that Washington was actively engaged in efforts to prevent the conflict from widening beyond its initial participants.
"A Strong Leader with an Excellent Military"
Despite policy differences between Washington and Ankara on several issues, Trump spoke warmly about Erdoğan, describing him as a powerful and influential leader.
“He is a great leader, a very strong man, with an excellent military,” Trump said.
The American president also emphasized Turkey's strategic importance within NATO, dismissing criticism from some Western officials regarding Ankara's role within the alliance.
“He is a NATO member. Some people do not really see him that way, but he is a strong NATO member,” Trump added.
Possible Visit to Turkey
Trump also hinted at a future visit to Turkey and suggested that he may announce a move that would be welcomed by both Erdoğan and the Turkish government.
“I will probably do something that will make him very happy and will make Turkey very happy,” Trump said, without providing additional details.
The comments immediately fueled speculation among diplomatic observers regarding possible developments in U.S.-Turkey relations, which have faced periodic tensions over defense cooperation, regional security issues, and Ankara's foreign policy alignment.
Erdogan Emerges as Key Regional Player
Trump's remarks underscore Erdoğan's growing influence in regional affairs and highlight Turkey's ability to affect the balance of power in the Middle East during periods of heightened tension.
The statements also suggest that the United States viewed Turkish involvement in the Iran conflict as a significant escalation risk and worked diplomatically to ensure that Ankara remained outside the fighting.
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