U.S. President Donald Trump again praised Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday, speaking alongside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the alliance summit in Ankara, while also renewing his criticism of NATO over Iran and Greenland.
The US president described Turkey as a major military power and referred to Ankara’s long-standing wish to return to the F-35 fighter jet programme. Washington removed Turkey from the programme after Ankara purchased Russia’s S-400 air-defence system, later imposing sanctions on Turkey’s defence sector. Trump has now said the US will lift sanctions on Turkey and is considering allowing Ankara to buy F-35s again.
Trump’s remarks came as the fragile ceasefire with Iran appeared to be breaking down. The US launched new strikes on Iranian targets early on Wednesday, after accusing Tehran of attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded with strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait, raising fears of a wider regional escalation.
Speaking in Ankara, Trump said he believed the agreement with Iran was effectively over, though he also suggested talks could continue. Rutte defended the US strikes, saying Washington had to respond forcefully after Iran violated the ceasefire.
The US president also said he was “very disappointed” with NATO, accusing allies of failing to support Washington during the conflict with Iran. “Why are we spending hundreds of billions of dollars, and they’re not there for us?” he said, arguing that the US had been treated unfairly by its allies.
Trump also revived his criticism of Denmark over Greenland, saying the territory was strategically important to the United States. His renewed push has further strained relations with Copenhagen. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said in Ankara that Greenland was not for sale and that Denmark was ready to defend every part of the kingdom.
According to Reuters, European leaders at the summit are seeking to persuade Trump to recommit to NATO, while also trying to show that Europe is increasing defence spending and taking on more responsibility for its own security.
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