ANKARA: Amid rising speculation about a possible U.S.-led military campaign against Tehran, NATO has shifted the focus of its aerial surveillance operations in Turkey from Russia to Iran, informed sources said. According to the sources, the military alliance has repeatedly used advanced AWACS radar aircraft stationed in Turkey to monitor both countries. However, the number of surveillance flights from the central Anatolian city of Konya has recently increased with a primary focus on Iran. The sources added that Turkey is preparing for the possibility of a limited strike against Iran, an action that could pressure Tehran to make concessions on issues including restrictions on its nuclear program. If Iran refuses, a broader military campaign could follow. The United States Army has deployed a wide range of forces to the Middle East, including two aircraft carriers and fighter jets. While U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that he is “considering” limited strikes on Tehran, American and Iranian diplomats have in recent weeks been attempting to negotiate a new nuclear agreement. The sources also said the government in Ankara is deeply concerned about the potential consequences, particularly a new wave of refugees, mostly Afghans and Pakistanis currently residing in Iran that could place a significant strain on Turkey’s economy. Turkey is already hosting nearly three million Syrian refugees. Ankara has updated its emergency contingency plans and is considering the establishment of refugee camps near the Iranian border to manage possible inflows. However, such measures would reportedly be implemented only in the event of a power vacuum in Iran.
