Trump Claims He Stopped Turkey From Entering the Iran War: “I Asked Erdoğan to Stay Out”
U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that he personally persuaded Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan not to become involved in the conflict surrounding Iran, saying he urged the Turkish leader to stay out of the war.
Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the White House, where he also praised Erdoğan’s leadership and hinted at the possibility of closer defense cooperation between Washington and Ankara.
Trump: “I Asked Him to Stay Out”
According to Trump, Erdoğan was one of the leaders who could have become involved in the conflict, suggesting that Turkey might have considered entering the war because of its tense relationship with Israel.
“He was a leading candidate to enter the war with Iran—perhaps on Iran’s side, because he’s not a big fan of Israel,” Trump said.
The U.S. president added that he personally spoke with Erdoğan and encouraged him not to take part in the conflict.
“I asked him to stay out,” Trump told reporters.
However, there has been no public indication from Turkish authorities that Ankara was preparing to enter the conflict alongside Iran.
Praise for Erdoğan
During his remarks, Trump also described Erdoğan as a strong and effective leader.
“Erdoğan is a great leader, a very strong person… He has done everything I’ve ever asked him to do,” Trump said.
The comments immediately attracted international attention, given the strategic relationship between the United States and Turkey within NATO.
F-35 Questions Raise Eyebrows
Trump’s comments came as reports emerged suggesting that the United States could be considering a significant defense package for Turkey.
When asked whether Washington was preparing a major gesture toward Ankara, including the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets, Trump did not rule out the possibility.
“I think so… maybe I’ll do something that will make him very happy,” the U.S. president replied.
His response has fueled speculation about future U.S.-Turkey defense cooperation, although no official announcement has been made.
International Attention
Trump’s statements are likely to generate political discussion both in Washington and abroad, particularly regarding developments in the Middle East and the future of U.S.-Turkey relations.
For now, Turkish authorities have not publicly responded to Trump’s latest remarks.
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