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Türkiye's Ministry of National Defense (MoND) stated Thursday that no official request has been submitted by U.S. authorities to establish a deconfliction mechanism covering Syria involving Israel, though Ankara said it is closely following related statements and reports.
Asked about the matter during the ministry's weekly press briefing, held in Afyonkarahisar to mark the 104th anniversary of the Great Offensive, ministry officials said any such request, if submitted, would be evaluated in coordination with relevant authorities.
The ministry said it is closely monitoring Israel's attacks on Syria and stressed that these attacks must end as soon as possible.
It said it is also closely following statements and reports concerning U.S. efforts to establish a de-escalation mechanism that would include Syria.
"In this context, there is no formal request that has been submitted to the ministry, and should such a request be submitted, the matter will be evaluated in coordination with relevant authorities," the ministry said.
Ministry spokesman Rear Adm. Zeki Akturk stated that Israel's "aggressive stance and expansionist policy" in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria remains the biggest obstacle to lasting peace and stability in the region, adding that the region's future must be built on respect for international law and countries' sovereignty and territorial integrity rather than unilateral use of force.
"We reiterate once again that it is essential for the international community to take concrete and effective measures against the actions of the Israeli government, which faces ongoing international judicial proceedings over allegations of genocide that threaten regional and global peace and stability," he said.
Responding to a separate question, the ministry welcomed the dissolution of the SDF and its integration into Syrian state institutions, describing the move as an important development for preserving Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity and strengthening the principle of "one state, one army."
"Our Turkish Armed Forces will continue their support, within the framework of the existing military cooperation agreement, to help extend the positive momentum achieved in Syria across the country, ensure lasting stability and strengthen the capabilities of the Syrian army, particularly in the fight against terrorism," the ministry said.
SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced on Aug. 25 that the integration of military, security and administrative institutions into Syrian state structures was complete, following a January agreement between the SDF and Damascus.
The dissolution follows a Jan. 29 agreement between the SDF and Damascus to integrate the civilian, security and military institutions under SDF control into Syrian state structures.
Asked about the Patriot air defense system on Kerpe Island, the ministry recalled that the legal status of the demilitarized islands is clearly regulated under the 1923 Lausanne and 1947 Paris peace treaties.
"In this context, we view the decision to move the Patriot Air Defense Systems from Kerpe Island to Crete as a positive step toward reversing the current improper practice. As Türkiye, we will continue to support any constructive step that contributes to strengthening peace and stability in our region and complies with international law and treaty obligations," the ministry said, adding that Greece's militarization of the islands in violation of the treaties had been raised at every opportunity and should end.
Greece had moved Patriot missile systems to Crete's Souda Bay base and to Karpathos amid regional tensions tied to the Israel-Iran war.
Ankara has repeatedly said the demilitarized status of the eastern Aegean and Dodecanese islands under the Lausanne and Paris treaties "is not a matter open to discussion."
Asked about reports of a planned drone base on the island of Rhodes, the ministry said the island's demilitarized status is clearly and bindingly regulated under international treaties.
"Any initiative that would violate this status is incompatible with Greece's obligations under international law. In this context, it is clear that any possible step toward establishing a drone base on Rhodes would constitute a violation of the island's demilitarized status, and would also harm peace and stability in the Aegean as well as good neighborly relations. Türkiye will continue to firmly protect its rights and interests arising from international treaties and to take the necessary measures in this regard," the ministry said.
Asked about media reports concerning a service contract signed between the ministry and the U.S.-based consultancy firm Ballard Partners, the ministry said the work was a purely professional product of a joint strategy aimed at contributing to developing Türkiye-U.S. relations, strengthening institutional dialogue in defense and security, and ensuring Türkiye's views and priorities are accurately conveyed to relevant counterparts.
It said the contract, registered transparently and in accordance with both countries' laws, is not limited to any single project or platform.
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