ANKARA
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday hailed US President Donald Trump’s efforts in achieving a ceasefire between Iran and Israel.
"I told Trump that, referring to his efforts in the Israel-Iran ceasefire, the same level of effort is expected to help end the conflicts in Gaza as well as in the Russia-Ukraine war," Erdogan told reporters aboard his return flight from the NATO summit in the Netherlands.
“The closure of the Strait of Hormuz would cause major problems. We believe Iran would not take such a step,” the Turkish president said.
Erdogan underlined that the latest conflict between Iran and Israel have once again highlighted how important energy supply security is.
“As Türkiye, we are carrying out intensive efforts to increase our own energy resources,” Erdogan said.
“At the same time, we are continuing our oil and natural gas exploration activities with seriousness and determination,” he said.
“We do not consider it even remotely possible that Iran would cut off our natural gas supply,” Erdogan said, adding: “At the moment, our natural gas from Iran is flowing, and we are not facing any issues.”
Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran on June 13, including military and nuclear facilities, alleging that Tehran was on the verge of producing a nuclear bomb, a claim vehemently denied by Iran.
While Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone strikes, the US joined the conflict by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday.
After 12 days of aerial combat between the two regional arch-foes, Trump on Monday announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran to end their conflict.
“We had a productive meeting with my friend Trump and discussed bilateral ties, NATO partnership, as well as regional and global issues,” the Turkish president said.
“We conveyed our solution-oriented approach on regional issues to Trump and expect his support in this regard," said Erdogan, adding: “Trump responded positively to proposals.”
Türkiye's air defense system
Speaking about Türkiye’s recent efforts to enhance its air defense system, Erdogan said: “We've brought Türkiye's air defense system to a certain level, but we are not satisfied with that. We need to enhance our missile capabilities."
“We are building a system of systems — our Steel Dome. By integrating air defense systems at different altitudes, our sensors, and electronic warfare systems, we are bringing this system of systems to life,” he said.
Touching on the issue of F-35 fighter jets delivery to Türkiye, Erdogan said: “We addressed the issue of F-35s during talks with Trump, and technical-level talks have begun," expressing hope that the two sides “will make progress.”
“We have not given up on the F-35s either. We are discussing our intention to return to the project with our counterparts,” the Turkish president said.
“The F-35 program is as much a political process as it is a technical one,” Erdogan said, adding: “Türkiye was unfairly removed from the program.”
“We have consistently criticized this move, which is incompatible with the spirit of alliance,” he added.
Syria’s future
Regarding regional issues, especially Syria, Erdogan said: "We have clearly conveyed our sensitivities about the Syrian Democratic Forces to the US side at every level."
He reiterated Türkiye’s support for the new administration for the reunification of Syria as well as the establishment of stability and peace in the country.
“The preservation of territorial integrity is essential for creating a united and whole Syria,” the Turkish president said.
“To achieve all this, the Syrian administration has taken steps to bring all armed groups together under the umbrella of the Syrian army and to work toward Syria’s unity and integrity,” he said, adding: “It would be in the best interest of the Syrian Democratic Forces to seize this opportunity.”
Russia-Ukraine war
Touching on the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Erdogan said: “The war must end. The region can no longer bear this burden,” adding: “Just and lasting peace must be established.”
“As Türkiye, we are continuing our efforts to end this brutal war through a just and lasting peace,” he said.
“We are in dialogue with the parties to host the third round of talks in the upcoming period. Both Ukraine and Russia have repeatedly expressed their trust in us,” Erdogan stressed.
“The talks held in Istanbul have opened a door toward peace,” Erdogan said, adding: “Our ultimate goal is to hold a meeting at the leadership level in our country and to build the long-awaited peace.”
Gaza crisis
Touching on the recent Israeli attack on Gaza, Erdogan said: “We are witnessing Israel’s systematic torture. They are even targeting the limited aid distribution points.”
“Above all, they are obstructing the Red Cross and preventing any steps from being taken,” he said.
Underlining that French President Emmanuel Macron told him that he would speak with Israel on Gaza, President Erdogan said he told Macron: “If you take this step, we would be grateful.”
The Israeli army, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has pursued a brutal offensive against Gaza since October 2023, killing over 56,000 Palestinians, most of them women and children.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.
