Trump warns of 'devastating' sanctions if US-Turkey meeting unsuccessful

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States was "going to try to work it out" with Turkey regarding its operation into northeastern Syrian, but U.S. sanctions would be "devastating" if discussions with Ankara do not go well.

"We're in a great position," Trump told reporters at the White House hours before U.S. Vice President Mike Pence was due to depart for talks in Ankara along with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

"I think they'll have a successful meeting," Trump said at a news conference alongside Italian President Sergio Mattarella. "If they don't, the sanctions, tariffs other things that we're doing - will do and are doing - to Turkey will be devastating to Turkey's economy."

Trump has been on the defensive since his abrupt decision announced last week to withdraw forces from northeastern Syria where they had been supporting YPG terrorists.