Turkey Warns of US Security Pullback in Europe
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that a potential US withdrawal from Europe’s security architecture could prove “destructive”, particularly if carried out in an “uncoordinated manner”.
He said discussions were under way on how to manage or mitigate the consequences of such a move. It would not necessarily involve a full withdrawal, he added, but even a partial reduction in US engagement could have serious consequences.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to pull out of NATO after European countries declined to send ships to help unblock the Strait of Hormuz during the war between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. The dispute has further strained relations among allies.
Fidan also criticized European Union member states within the alliance, saying they were acting as a separate bloc and taking decisions without regard for broader collective defense interests.
He urged allies to use the upcoming summit in Ankara in July to reset relations with Washington and prepare for a possible reduction in the US presence in Europe.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said he understood Trump’s discontent but stressed that most European countries supported US efforts in the war against Iran.