U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was fully prepared to enter a war in support of Iran. Trump made the statement on Thursday during a conversation with journalists at the White House, according to a report by Middle East Monitor. He said Erdogan did not like Israel and was therefore the top candidate to side with Iran in the conflict. However, Trump asserted that Turkey eventually agreed to stay out of the confrontation following his personal intervention and request.

The report also noted that Trump gave a positive signal regarding Turkey’s request for U.S. F-35 fighter jets and engines to support its domestically produced warplane. He said he would likely do something to make Turkey happy. Additionally, Trump reaffirmed his intention to attend the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara as a gesture of respect toward Erdogan.

The statements highlight ongoing U.S.-Turkey diplomatic engagement amid regional tensions involving Iran and Israel, as reported by Middle East Monitor.