The U.S. military has sought to significantly expand operations at a key Turkish air base.

Officials said the Defense Department has been negotiating for an increase in U.S. air operations at the Incirlik air force base in southern Turkey. They said Incirlik would be used for operations in northern Iraq as well as reconnaissance in neighboring Iran.

"I wouldn't say that we have to [use] Incirlik to conduct operations in Iraq," U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Michael Moseley said. "I would say we are honored to be able to operate from Incirlik with our NATO partners because it makes all operations easier and it maintains that strategic partnership that we all value so much."

At a briefing on Feb. 20, Moseley said Incirlik has been a key asset for Central Command, Middle East Newsline reported. He said Incirlik could facilitate U.S. operations throughout the Middle East, Persian Gulf and South Asia.

"Incirlik is a key installation for us," Moseley said. "To be able to operate out of Incirlik in and out of Iraq or in and out of the Central Command's AOR [area of responsibility] makes things much easier and more effective."

Over the last few months, the Pentagon has been funding a project to expand and enhance Incirlik. In February, the U.S. Air Force conducted its first air combat exercise in Turkey since 2002 in what officials said reflected improving military ties with Ankara.

Officials said the current American use of Incirlik contrasted with the decision by Turkey's parliament to prevent the U.S. military from employing the country as a base for a northern front in the 2003 war. During the war, Moseley was air commander in Central Command.

"It would have been [much] easier to have had Incirlik, to be honest," Moseley said. "It would have made things quicker. It would have made things much easier for me, because at the time, I was the air commander in the Central Command."

Incirlik serves as a hub for military logistics and air transportation to Iraq. In Iraq, the U.S. Air Force has been using three main operating bases as well as Baghdad International Airport.

Ankara has also provided support for U.S. military aircraft at other Turkish bases. But until this year Incirlik was allowed for use only by non-combat U.S. aircraft.

Officials said the United States has been allowed to maintain up to two squadrons, or 48 aircraft, at Incirlik. Officials said Incirlik would be an important base for operations against Iran.

"I really value the relationship with the Turkish Air Force," Moseley said. "We have spent a lot of time together in NATO exercises, in NATO command-and-control business. It's a valued and trusted relationship."