Former Chief of General Staff İlker Başbuğ comments on US-Iran tensions: They may conduct a military operation

İlker Başbuğ made important statements during a program he attended on Sözcü TV.

Speaking about the policies the US is pursuing in the Middle East, Başbuğ evaluated the events unfolding in Iran and Syria, while also sharing his views on Turkey's position and interests.

Touching upon a potential US-Iran war, Başbuğ stated, "The US could conduct a limited military operation against Iran. What keeps Iran standing is the Revolutionary Guards structure. If you target them, you could push Iran's situation to a critical point. If an operation occurs, it will be against the Revolutionary Guards. Instability in Syria, Iraq, and Iran is a security issue for Turkey. In 2003, we said in Iraq, 'Preserve the unitary state structure.' But they did not listen to us."

"TRUMP CHOSE SHARA AND TURKEY"

Evaluating the events in Syria, Başbuğ said, "There were two turning points in Syria. One occurred on December 8, 2024. What happened? Assad left, and a new administration came in. Was this highly expected? It was not. What was the second turning point? Last month, the Syrian Army conducted an operation against the YPG. Following the operation, the YPG was repelled. So, how were they driven out? The US changed its strategy. What is the fundamental reason for this change? It said, 'I will work with the Shara administration in Syria. I will work in harmony with it.' The US does this often. The US stated that it would act together with Turkey. The situation emerging in Syria is in Turkey's favor."

"THE JOB OF SECURITY FORCES"

Speaking about a terror-free Turkey, Başbuğ said, "Counter-terrorism is the state's business. Fighting against a terrorist organization is the job of the security forces. What I am saying is this: There is a military dimension to counter-terrorism. The security dimension is our job. We soldiers know the pain caused by terrorism better than anyone."

"IT HARMS THE NATION-STATE STRUCTURE"

Stating, "I have two red lines," Başbuğ said, "Firstly, I stand with the families of martyrs and veterans. My second red line is that Atatürk established the Republic of Turkey with certain characteristics: a unitary, national, and secular state structure. If there is to be peace, these definitions must not change. The definition of citizenship harms the nation-state structure. We must be careful."