Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in a phone conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, focusing on NATO-related matters as well as regional and global challenges.
During the discussion, Erdogan expressed concern over the escalating situation regarding Iran, describing it as a geopolitical deadlock. He urged the international community to intensify efforts to end the ongoing conflict.
The Turkish leader also emphasized the necessity of NATO’s support in strengthening Turkey’s air defense capabilities, arguing that such solidarity enhances the Alliance’s deterrent potential.
In addition, Erdogan highlighted Turkey’s commitment to facilitating a peaceful resolution to the war in Ukraine. He expressed optimism that the upcoming NATO summit, scheduled to take place in Ankara on July 7-8, 2026, would result in decisions aimed at bolstering the Alliance’s effectiveness and resilience against future challenges.
In a recent call, Turkish President Erdogan and NATO Secretary General Rutte discussed pressing regional issues, including the situation in Iran and Turkey's defense needs. Erdogan also expressed hopes for a productive NATO summit in 2026 focused on enhancing the Alliance's capabilities.