Retired US Colonel Reveals Advising Trump to Remove Nuclear Weapons from Turkey

Retired US Colonel Douglas MacGregor disclosed that he advised former President Donald Trump to remove American nuclear weapons stationed in Turkey. MacGregor expressed concerns that high-level decisions could be made to seize these weapons, not necessarily for use but to prevent access by the US or other parties. He described Turkey's position within NATO as fragile and highlighted the strategic regional dynamics involving Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.

MacGregor recounted a symbolic visit by a Turkish leader to a mosque housing the tomb of an Ottoman sultan, interpreting it as a strong message to regional actors, including Israel, that Turkey would not tolerate the occupation of Damascus. He also revealed that the Turkish military leadership explicitly told American officials that if Turkey needed nuclear weapons, it would not rely on the US but on Pakistan, which had promised Ankara nuclear arms if necessary.

The retired colonel linked this to the emerging alliance between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, noting that their cooperation goes beyond shared Sunni Muslim identity and involves deeper strategic interests. MacGregor's remarks shed light on the complex geopolitical and military considerations surrounding Turkey's role in the region and the presence of US nuclear weapons at the Incirlik Air Base.