Bah\u00e7eli argued that the Turkish military has long been central to the alliance’s regional security posture, citing the country’s control of the Turkish Straits under the 1936 Montreux Convention, its military presence in the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, and strategic bases including Aksaz and Incirlik.<\/p>\n
He said Turkish forces have fulfilled alliance commitments in international missions ranging from the Korean War to Afghanistan, Kosovo, Libya, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iraq, adding that T\u00fcrkiye’s military experience continues to strengthen NATO’s operational capabilities.<\/p>\n
According to Bah\u00e7eli, the alliance is entering what he described as a new phase, sometimes referred to as “NATO 3.0,” characterized by greater emphasis on deterrence, military readiness, defense production, ammunition stockpiles and rapid decision-making.<\/p>\n
He pointed to discussions held during NATO defense ministers’ recent meeting in Brussels, where members addressed increased defense spending, nuclear deterrence and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.<\/p>\n
“If a new security architecture is to be built in the Black Sea, T\u00fcrkiye’s sovereignty over the Turkish Straits under the Montreux Convention will form its foundation,” Bah\u00e7eli said. “If a new deterrence shield is to be established in Eastern Europe, the operational experience of the Turkish Armed Forces and T\u00fcrkiye’s growing defense industry will be at the center of that equation.”<\/p>\n
While emphasizing T\u00fcrkiye’s commitment to the alliance, Bah\u00e7eli said NATO should not be viewed as an authority to which Ankara must submit unconditionally.<\/p>\n
“NATO is neither a document of allegiance nor a command center to which T\u00fcrkiye should show unconditional obedience,” he said. “Our national security vision and state interests stand above any alliance.”<\/p>\n
Regional peace efforts<\/p>\n
Turning to regional developments, Bah\u00e7eli said T\u00fcrkiye is closely monitoring diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, including attempts to secure safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz and efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.<\/p>\n
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