US President Donald Trump made a striking statement about Iran ahead of his visit to Ankara. Trump, issuing a warning to the Tehran administration, said, "I would prefer to make a deal with Iran. Otherwise, we can destroy all power generation plants within an hour."
Trump's remarks came at a time when diplomatic contacts with Iran are ongoing. The US President's statements are considered likely to raise tensions in the region.
Busy schedule in Ankara
According to a statement from the White House, President Trump will arrive in Ankara on Tuesday. Trump, who is expected to be greeted with an official ceremony by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, will first attend the NATO leaders' dinner.
The US President, who will take part in the NATO leaders' session and family photo on Wednesday, will hold meetings with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy and the leader of the new administration in Syria, Ahmed Şara. After his contacts, Trump will evaluate developments regarding his Turkey visit at a press conference he will hold.
Trump is scheduled to return to Washington that same evening on the new Boeing 747 Air Force One aircraft, which is being used for the first time on a foreign trip.
Ukraine war and regional security
According to information provided by senior US officials to Anadolu Agency, diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine will be at the center of Trump's meeting with Zelenskiy.
The US official noted that the front line has largely frozen in recent months, and said, "We feel an urgency to end the war." It was emphasized that the US side continues contacts with both Russia and Ukraine, and that President Trump is playing a mediating role.
Officials stated that the continuation of the war causes heavy losses and destruction for both sides, and underlined that diplomatic resolution efforts will be accelerated.
Iran risk and defense cooperation
Another senior US official reported that regional security risks originating from Iran and the protection of maritime trade routes will be on the agenda at the summit in Ankara. The official stated that NATO allies are ready to contribute, but many countries lack sufficient naval assets and military capacity, saying, "What we need are capable allies. Some countries do not have ships and assets to make a meaningful contribution."
It was also noted that new cooperation and production agreements for the US defense industry could be announced during the summit, and that billions of dollars' worth of defense projects will be on the agenda.
