Trump: Erdogan could have entered the war alongside Iran, I am attending the NATO summit out of respect

U.S. President Donald Trump said President Erdogan could have entered the war alongside Iran, but he intervened to keep Turkey out of the conflict. Trump also added that he would attend the NATO summit in Ankara out of respect for Erdogan.

Scraper SystemJune 25, 2026, 02:48 PM

Trump: Erdogan could have entered the war alongside Iran, I am attending the NATO summit out of respect

U.S. President Donald Trump said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan could have entered the war alongside Iran, but he intervened to keep Turkey out of the conflict. Trump also stated that he would attend the NATO summit scheduled in Ankara out of respect for Erdogan.

Speaking at a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, Trump said Erdogan could have sided with Iran because he does not support Israel. The U.S. president said he personally intervened with the Turkish leader, asking him to stay out of the conflict, and that Erdogan complied.

Trump also responded to a question about Turkey's requests for F-35 fighter jets and jet engines for its domestically produced warplanes, replying, "I will probably do something." The U.S. president described Erdogan as a "dear friend," praising his strong leadership and large army, calling him "a strong man who loves his country and does great things."

Emphasis on respect for the NATO summit

Trump announced his decision to attend the NATO summit in Ankara on July 7-8, 2026, citing his respect for Erdogan. "I would not have attended if the summit were not in Turkey and at his invitation," Trump said, highlighting the special importance of Ankara's hosting in relations with NATO allies.

During the meeting, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also praised Trump's war policy toward Iran. Rutte argued the war has weakened Tehran's military capacity, while emphasizing operational support from European allies. Rutte noted that approximately 5,000 American military aircraft have taken off from European bases to participate in operations.

Trump's remarks offered new insights into the course of Turkish-American relations in Ankara, which is set to host one of NATO's most critical summits. The U.S. president's praise of Erdogan indicated that personal diplomacy between the two leaders continues to shape alliance relations.

Trump: Erdogan could have entered the war alongside Iran, I am attending the NATO summit out of respect