Trump and Erdogan Discuss F-35 Sales in Historic Meeting
On September 25, 2025, President Donald Trump welcomed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to the White House for a crucial meeting focused on military and trade relations. This marked Erdogan’s first visit to the U.S. since 2019, following a strained relationship due to various geopolitical issues.
During their discussion, President Trump hinted at the possibility of lifting the ban on F-35 sales to Turkey. This potential change comes with the condition that Turkey cease its purchase of Russian oil. Trump emphasized the need for both nations to find common ground, stating, “He needs certain things, and we need certain things, and we’ll come to a conclusion.”
Turkey had previously been barred from the F-35 program after it acquired Russia’s S-400 missile system, which raised concerns about the security of U.S. military technology. Despite these tensions, Turkey has remained a significant player in the global oil market, becoming one of Russia’s top purchasers of energy resources since the European Union’s boycott in 2023.
Since January, Turkey has imported over $90 billion in oil, gas, and coal from Russia, trailing just behind China and India in total purchases. This economic reliance on Russia complicates Turkey’s relationship with the U.S., but it also positions Turkey as a strategic ally amid currently ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Before the meeting, Erdogan voiced his desire to “thoroughly discuss” the potential for lifting the U.S. ban on F-35 sales. He had earlier criticized the prohibition, arguing that it is inappropriate for what should be a strategic partnership.
In a positive note, Trump praised Erdogan for advancements in Syria, highlighting his role in supporting new leadership after the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad. However, Erdogan’s criticism of Israel, particularly regarding the situation in Gaza, remains a point of contention in U.S.-Turkey relations.
The two leaders avoided discussing Gaza publicly during their Oval Office meeting, and no formal actions have been taken regarding the F-35 issue as of yet. This meeting follows a recent gathering where Trump spoke with eight Arab and Muslim countries about the conflict in Gaza, showcasing the ongoing complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics.
The relationship between the U.S. and Turkey continues to be pivotal, with both parties looking to navigate shared interests amidst regional challenges.
