Vice President Mike Pence confirmed to reporters Monday that sanctions have been placed on Turkey after the country launched an invasion into Syria. Following a statement from President Trump announcing the sanctions, Pence warned they would only get more severe unless Turkey embraced an “immediate ceasefire” and negotiations for a long-term settlement for the conflict with Kurdish forces in Syria. Pence denied that the U.S. gave any “green light” for Turkey to invade northern Syria after Trump announced that the U.S. would be pulling out of the region. He also said Trump has tasked him to lead a delegation into the region to aid with the establishment of the ceasefire and settlement, stating the U.S. “is not going to tolerate” Turkey's military operation.
In his statement earlier Monday, Trump said he would issue an executive order authorizing sanctions against officials “contributing to Turkey’s destabilizing actions” and would increase steel tariffs against the country. In addition, the president said the U.S. would stop negotiations with Turkey for a $100 billion trade deal. “I am fully prepared to swiftly destroy Turkey’s economy if Turkish leaders continue down this dangerous and destructive path,” Trump said.
