Speaking to reporters on Monday, State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the U.S. position that Turkey should coordinate its cross-border military operations with the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). This issue is expected to come up later this week, as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan leads a delegation to the NATO summit in Washington, marking the 75th anniversary of the alliance.

Back in 1952, Turkey joined NATO to counter Soviet pressure, particularly concerning control over the Bosporus Straits, following World War II. Today, with the recent Russian assault on Ukraine renewing NATO's significance, Turkey's role within the alliance is under scrutiny again.

U.S. Position on Turkish Incursions

In a briefing on Monday, Miller emphasized the need for Turkey to coordinate its military actions with Iraqi and KRG authorities to avoid civilian casualties. This echoed a statement from Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel last week, highlighting U.S. concerns about the risk to civilians from Turkish operations targeting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

“We have urged the Government of Turkey to coordinate with Iraqi and IKR [Iraqi Kurdistan Region] authorities on cross-border military operations and to protect civilians from harm,” Miller stated. He acknowledged the threat posed by the PKK, which both the U.S. and the European Union designate as a terrorist organization. However, Miller stressed the importance of collaboration with local authorities.

During the NATO summit, Erdogan might meet with U.S. President Joe Biden, where the issue of Turkey’s military operations and the need for better coordination with Baghdad and Erbil could be discussed. Additionally, Erdogan is likely to address concerns about the U.S. partnership with the Kurdish-led YPG in Syria, which Turkey views as a terrorist group linked to the PKK.

Erdogan may also bring up Turkey’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza, calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, although this issue is outside the scope of NATO discussions.

As the NATO summit progresses, the focus will remain on whether Turkey will heed the U.S. call for coordination in its military endeavors to ensure regional stability and the protection of civilians.