Officials said the U.S. military in Iraq has received fuel supplies through Turkey, Middle East Newsline reported. They said Turkish sanctions against the United States would have an immediate affect on the war in both Iraq and Afghanistan and could block any military operation against Iran.

"I could only add that a very high percentage of our air support of critical supplies going to Afghanistan also go through Incirlik air base," [Ret.] Gen. Joseph Ralston, U.S. special envoy to Turkey, said. "It would be a very big blow to NATO and to U.S. forces operating in Afghanistan should that be disrupted."

Officials said passage of the resolution would significantly weaken pro-American circles in Ankara and strengthen Islamic forces loyal to Prime Minister Recep Erdogan.

Administration officials hope to block the resolution that deems the Turkish killing of Armenians in 1915 as genocide. Turkey has warned that such a resolution would harm relations with Washington.

"Turkey provides extensive logistic support to our troops in Iraq," Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Fried said. "This critical lifeline includes the cargo hub at Incirlik air base through which we ship 74 percent of our air cargo to Iraq."

In testimony to the House International Relations subcommittee on Europe on March 15, Fried warned of Turkish retaliation for the Armenian genocide resolution. He said one prospect was that Ankara would expel the U.S. military from Incirlik, located in southern Turkey.

"They could, for example, shut down or curtail operations at Incirlik," Fried said. "They could slow down traffic at the Habour gate [along the Iraqi border]. They could restrict our overflight rights. They could do so wholly, they could do so in part."

The Armenian genocide resolution has been introduced in the House and Senate. The administration has persuaded House leaders to delay any vote until at least late March.

"Turkey's contribution to the global war on terrorism and U.S. strategic objectives in the region is significant," Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Dan Fata said. "It would all be at risk. More broadly, relations with a crucial NATO and regional ally would suffer a serious blow which would, in turn, significantly undermine our ability to achieve our near and longer-term goals in the Middle East and damage vital national security interests."

Officials have also warned that Americans could be assaulted in Turkey in response to the resolution. On March 15, the U.S. embassy in Ankara warned Americans to be on alert for demonstrations that could turn violent.

"If, despite the administration's concerted efforts against this resolution, it makes its way to the floor of the House for debate and a possible vote, there could be a reaction in the form of demonstrations and increased anti-Americanism throughout Turkey," the embassy said in a warden message.