Erdogan: Turkey Ready to Clear Hormuz Mines

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Ankara is prepared to participate in a potential mine-clearing operation in the Strait of Hormuz, while praising U.S. President Donald Trump's approach to efforts aimed at reaching an agreement with Iran.

Speaking at the NATO summit in Ankara, Erdogan said Turkey has allocated an additional $24 billion to the “Iron Dome” project to strengthen its air and missile defense capabilities. He added that Ankara has taken steps to meet NATO’s target of increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030.

Erdogan called for the removal of restrictions on defense industries among NATO members and urged European allies to take greater responsibility for the alliance’s security while preserving unity. He also stressed that non-EU NATO members should not be excluded from European defense initiatives.

Regarding Ukraine, Erdogan said Kyiv needs urgent action and reaffirmed Turkey’s support for Ukraine’s demands, while calling for continued dialogue with Russia to help achieve peace and end the war.