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| The Grand Turk |
| No sense in fighting 'neighbor' for Israel's sake in Gulf war: Turkish official |
| 2026-03-25 |
| [TurkiyeToday] Amid the escalating Gulf war, a Turkish official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Türkiye Today that Ankara has ruled out the possibility of participating in a naval operation to secure the opening of the Strait of Hormuz in a conflict that was started for "Israel's sake." "It makes no sense to go to war with our neighbor and put our troops or ships at risk for Israel’s sake," the official said. U.S. President Donald Trump's latest push for NATO involvement in securing the Strait of Hormuz has exposed not just a transatlantic rift but also a deeper structural reality: key allies, Türkiye included, are unwilling to be drawn into a widening Middle Eastern war. Trump is upset with the NATO allies. Many are not up to fighting a war that was provoked and initiated for Israel’s national security interests. Türkiye is not merely staying out of a naval operation; it is redefining its role in a conflict where geography, energy flows, and economic risks intersect in a complex manner. Trump’s frustration with the inaction of NATO partners has been explicit. His remarks, “disappointed in NATO” and “we don’t need any help escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz," underline a broader expectation that allies should align behind U.S. operational priorities. Yet, the response from European capitals has been unequivocal. Türkiye’s position stands out because it is not based on political signaling alone. It is grounded in structural realities. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints. Around one-fifth of global oil flows pass through it. For many economies, especially in Asia, disruption would be immediate and severe. For Türkiye, the picture is different. |
| Posted by:Skidmark |