Yasar Yakis, the Turkish Foreign Minister, stated that the deal allowing U.S. troops to use Turkey as a base for any attacks on Iraq is nearing completion but is not yet finalized. Mr. Yakis told Turkish CNN that the likelihood of the deal being agreed upon by Tuesday, when a vote is scheduled in Parliament, is very high. He mentioned that U.S. and Turkish representatives are negotiating several military issues, including Turkey's demand that U.S. weapons do not fall into the hands of Kurdish rebel groups based in Iraq. The Turks are generally opposed to any war in Iraq, and lawmakers are under significant pressure to approve the presence of U.S. troops.
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Yasar Yakis stated that the likelihood of an agreement with the U.S. is very high - 2003-02-23
Feb 11, 2026
February 11, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Turkish Foreign Minister Yasar Yakis indicated that a deal allowing U.S. troops to use Turkey as a base for operations against Iraq is likely to be agreed upon soon. Negotiations are ongoing regarding military concerns, particularly about preventing U.S. weapons from reaching Kurdish rebels. This situation is critical as it reflects Turkey's position on U.S. military involvement in Iraq.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The potential agreement reflects Turkey's strategic calculations amidst regional tensions and the impending Iraq War.
👥 Key Players
Yasar Yakis
MENTIONED
Turkish Foreign Minister
"As the Foreign Minister, Yakis plays a crucial role in shaping Turkey's foreign policy, particularly regarding military cooperation with the U.S. and regional security issues."
U.S. Government
MENTIONED
Military and diplomatic power
"The U.S. is seeking to establish a military presence in Turkey to facilitate operations in Iraq, which affects regional stability and U.S.-Turkey relations."
Kurdish Rebel Groups
MENTIONED
Non-state actors in Iraq
"These groups are a concern for Turkey due to their separatist ambitions and potential to destabilize the region, especially if they gain access to U.S. weapons."
📰 What Happened
Yasar Yakis announced that an agreement allowing U.S. troops to use Turkey as a base for operations against Iraq is likely to be finalized soon. Ongoing negotiations focus on military concerns, particularly regarding U.S. weapons and Kurdish rebels.
- A parliamentary vote on the U.S. troop presence is scheduled for Tuesday.
- Turkey is under pressure to approve the deal despite general opposition to a war in Iraq.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: Iran views U.S. military presence near its borders as a threat, potentially increasing tensions between Iran and the U.S. and its allies.
🌍 Regional: The agreement could alter the balance of power in the region, affecting relations between Turkey, Iraq, and Kurdish groups.
🌐 International: The U.S. establishing a base in Turkey could lead to broader implications for NATO and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
📚 Background
In early 2003, the U.S. was preparing for military action in Iraq, and Turkey's cooperation was critical for logistical support. The Kurdish issue remains a longstanding challenge for Turkey, complicating its relationship with the U.S.
U.S.-Turkey relations
Kurdish independence movements
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The statement comes from a government official and reflects official Turkish positions, but should be interpreted with an understanding of the political context.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
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