Turkey says NATO should reset ties with Trump at next summit, prepare for future

As Turkey prepares to host the crucial NATO summit in Ankara this July, our nation's leadership is signaling a clear strategic imperative: the alliance must confront the reality of a potentially diminished U.S. commitment under President Donald Trump. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan articulated this necessity, emphasizing that the summit should serve as a platform to systematically recalibrate NATO's relationship with Washington. This is not merely about managing rhetoric; it is about pragmatic preparation for a future where U.S. involvement may be less certain.

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NATO countries need to turn this Ankara Summit into an opportunity to put ties with the United States on a systematic basis.

Fidan's remarks underscore a growing understanding within Turkey and among many European allies that Trump's criticisms of NATO, once perhaps dismissed as bluster, now demand concrete planning. The threat of a U.S. withdrawal from certain NATO mechanisms necessitates a clear roadmap for phasing out such involvement, ensuring that no member is left vulnerable. Turkey, as a key strategic partner and host of this vital summit, has a vested interest in fostering such a structured approach, promoting stability and collective security.

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If there will be a US withdrawal from some NATO mechanisms, there needs to be a plan and program to phase this out so nobody is left in the open.

While acknowledging Trump's personal respect for President Erdogan, which may ensure his attendance, the underlying message is one of strategic foresight. Allies must bolster their own defensive capacities and devise contingency plans. This proactive stance reflects Turkey's commitment to NATO's long-term viability and its role as a stabilizing force within the alliance, even amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics. The Ankara Summit presents a critical opportunity to solidify NATO's future, ensuring its resilience regardless of individual member states' immediate inclinations.

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the large majority of European nations" had been helpful to Washington's war effort in Iran.