U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has expressed concern over political unrest in Turkey, citing its impact on regional stability and U.S. interests.
“We don’t like to see the direction that’s going. It’s an ally. It’s a partner in NATO,” Rubio said.
Newsweek has reach out to the Turkish Foreign Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
Turkey is a hugely important country in geopolitical terms given its role in Ukraine and the South Caucasus as a buttress against Russia and in the Middle East as a power rivalling Iran and countering its influence in Syria and elsewhere. While at odds with Israel, it could also play a part in any eventual arrangement to seek peace for the region.
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What To Know
Rubio voiced concerns about ongoing protests and the government crackdown following his meeting with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in Washington. “We’re watching it. We’ve expressed concern. We don’t like to see instability like that in the governance of any country that’s such a close ally,” Rubio said in remarks published by the State Department.
Hundreds were arrested in Turkey during protests over the detention of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu, a key political rival of President Erdogan. Demonstrations have erupted in over a dozen cities, including Istanbul and Ankara.
Met with Turkish Foreign Minister @HakanFidan today to discuss collaboration on trade and security benefiting both our countries. The U.S. is building on recent trade advancements made with Türkiye. We’re also partnering together on key issues, from peace in Ukraine and the South… pic.twitter.com/0JkCxQRdKw
— Secretary Marco Rubio (@SecRubio) March 25, 2025
“The fate of those who try to stir up trouble in the streets and support hate speech will be to melt away in the face of our nation’s sagacity, and this disgrace will definitely be brought to account before the law,” Fidan posted to his X account.
Rubio highlighted Turkey’s role as a key member of NATO.
“President Trump had a very good working relationship with President Erdogan in the first administration. I think they would like to restart that,” Rubio added.
Turkey seeks the lifting of sanctions on military purchases imposed by the United States in 2020 following Turkey’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system, which the U.S. said undermined NATO and violated U.S. law.
“Both sides clearly expressed their political will to remove the obstacles to cooperation in the defense industry. Technical meetings will be held to resolve existing issues,” Anadolu Agency reported Turkish Foreign Ministry sources as saying.
What People Are Saying
Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “I think it’s possible to raise concerns and at the same time understand we have a lot of other things to partner on as well. We have – that’s the balance of conducting a mature foreign policy.”
Turkish Foreign Ministry Affairs, according to Anadolu Agency: “Fidan visited the US to meet his American counterpart Marco Rubio to discuss a range of bilateral and regional issues, including the need for a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.”
What Happens Next
Protests continue in Turkey, with U.S. officials closely monitoring the situation and its impact on regional stability and security interests. Both sides are expected to engage in technical meetings to resolve defense cooperation issues.