Former Ministry of National Defense Secretary General Ümit Yalım warns: ‘A strategic mistake’
While the US-Iran tension remains the defining headline on the international agenda, former Ministry of National Defense (MSB) Secretary General and Kutlu Party Deputy Chairman Ümit Yalım commented to 12punto on the potential paths Russia, China, and Turkey might take. Yalım also discussed the future of the tension and strategic errors.
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News: Cenk BAŞBOĞAOĞLU-12punto
‘ON THE SIDE OF THE US, AGAINST IRAN’
Regarding which side Turkey would take in the US-Iran tension, former MSB Secretary General Ümit Yalım stated, “The US Early Warning Radar stationed in Malatya/Kürecik simultaneously detects ballistic missiles launched from Iran and transfers the missile’s trajectory data to the US.
Attempts are made to intercept ballistic missiles launched from Iran using air defense missiles fired from land and/or sea-based platforms.
According to international law, in a state of war or conflict, a country that provides technical support to another will be considered to be on the side of the country it supports.
As long as the Kürecik Radar is not shut down, Turkey’s current administration will be on the side of the US and against Iran in the US-Iran tension.”
WHAT ABOUT RUSSIA AND CHINA?
On the other hand, regarding how Russia and China might act in the region during the US-Iran tension, Yalım said, “Russia and China, which have large-scale commercial relations with Iran, will provide covert support to Iran in the US-Iran tension.”
‘IT MAY END WITH A TOKEN AIR OPERATION’
Following Congress and subsequent negotiations, US President Trump continued his statements regarding Iran stopping its nuclear weapons production. Yalım evaluated how the tension might unfold in the coming days and Trump’s stance, saying, “Although Trump says that Iran developing nuclear weapons is a red line, he cannot be very insistent on this issue because he has reservations.
Because Iran has clearly stated on giant billboards hung in public squares that it will target US aircraft carriers in the event of a conflict.
Trump deploying the navy around Iran is a strategic mistake. It is within the realm of possibility for Iran to strike and sink US aircraft carriers and frigates in its region with the tactical ballistic missiles in its inventory.
The sinking of a US aircraft carrier would mean the destruction of US prestige. For this reason, Trump is caught in the middle. The tension may result in a limited and token air operation by the US against Iran.”