Trump Links F-35 Sale to Turkey, Praises Erdoğan’s Role in Syria

Washington, D.C. – In a significant diplomatic meeting at the White House on Thursday, September 25th, former U.S. President Donald Trump signaled a potential major shift in U.S.-Turkey relations, suggesting that Washington might soon lift its suspension on selling advanced F-35 fighter jets to Ankara. The meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlighted a convergence of strategic interests, particularly regarding Syria, and a mutual desire to overcome recent tensions.

A Conditional Reversal on the F-35 Program

The centerpiece of the discussions was the long-standing dispute over the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. During his first term, the Trump administration formally removed Turkey from the multinational F-35 project and blocked the delivery of the stealth aircraft after Ankara acquired the Russian S-400 missile defense system. U.S. officials had expressed grave concerns that operating the S-400 alongside the F-35 could allow Russia to study the jet’s advanced capabilities and develop countermeasures, thereby compromising U.S. and allied security.

Trump, however, opened the two-hour meeting with optimism about resolving the impasse. “He [Erdoğan] needs some things, and we need some things, and we’ll come to a conclusion. You’ll know by the end of the day,” Trump told reporters. Addressing Erdoğan directly, he added, “I think you’re going to be successful in getting what you want to buy.”

Strategic Alignment on Syria and Praise for Erdoğan

A key factor warming relations appears to be a shared perspective on Syria. President Trump publicly praised Erdoğan for his efforts in helping to overthrow the government of Bashar al-Assad. “He deserves credit for that,” Trump stated, aligning the U.S. position more closely with Turkey’s long-standing objective of removing Assad from power. The Trump administration’s stance is now largely synchronized with Turkey’s current approach, as both nations support the central government that has formed in parts of Syria following the decline of Assad’s control.

Focus on Turkey’s Economic Ties with Russia

Despite the friendly tone, Trump pointedly addressed a primary source of friction: Turkey’s deepening economic relationship with Russia. With the European Union imposing stricter sanctions on Russian oil in early 2023, Turkey has become one of the largest buyers of Russian fossil fuels. From January 2023, Ankara has purchased over €77 billion worth of Russian oil, coal, and natural gas, making it one of Moscow’s top energy customers, behind only China and India.

“The best thing he can do is not to buy the oil and gas from Russia,” Trump advised, highlighting the contradiction of Turkey being a NATO ally while financially supporting the Kremlin.

Erdoğan as a Potential Mediator

Trump also positioned Erdoğan as a crucial partner in his self-proclaimed efforts to mediate an end to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Noting that both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leadership respect Erdoğan, Trump said, “I think he can have a lot of influence if he wants to.” This comment came days after Trump claimed Ukraine could reclaim all its lost territory, increasing pressure on intermediaries like Erdoğan to leverage their relationship with Putin.

A Thaw in Chilly Relations

The meeting marked Erdoğan’s first visit to Washington since 2019. Bilateral relations had cooled significantly after President Joe Biden took office in 2021, with formal diplomacy replacing the personal rapport between the two leaders. U.S. concerns over human rights in Turkey and Ankara’s close ties with Moscow were central to this chill.

However, Trump now views Erdoğan as a key partner. For his part, President Erdoğan has explicitly stated his desire for the F-35s to be delivered and expressed readiness for “comprehensive dialogue” on the issue.

Conclusion: A Foundation for New Agreements

The White House meeting, therefore, represents more than a simple courtesy call. It serves as a potential launching point for renewed trade and military agreements between Turkey and the United States. By linking the F-35 sale to Turkey’s regional influence and aligning on strategic goals like Syria, the Trump-Erdoğan dialogue suggests a pragmatic, if controversial, recalibration of a critical NATO alliance.

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