Trump Welcomes Erdogan to White House, F-35 Sales on Agenda

President Donald Trump is set to host Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House on Thursday, marking a significant moment in U.S.-Turkey relations. The discussions will revolve around the possibility of lifting the U.S. ban on sales of advanced F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, an issue that has strained ties between the two NATO allies.

The United States previously expelled Turkey from the F-35 program after Ankara acquired the Russian S-400 air defense system. U.S. officials expressed concerns that Turkey’s use of this system could compromise the F-35’s capabilities. Recently, Trump indicated that a resolution may be forthcoming, stating on social media, “We are working on many Trade and Military Deals with the President, including the large scale purchase of Boeing aircraft, a major F-16 Deal, and a continuation of the F-35 talks, which we expect to conclude positively.”

Erdogan’s visit is his first to the White House since 2019. Despite the complexities in U.S.-Turkey relations, Trump has characterized their relationship as “very good.” However, concerns regarding Turkey’s human rights record and its close ties with Russia continue to complicate matters. Erdogan has publicly stated his desire to see the F-35 ban lifted, emphasizing that continuing the ban is not conducive to a strategic partnership. He expressed his views during a recent interview on Fox News, saying, “I don’t think it’s very becoming of strategic partnership, and I don’t think it’s the right way to go.”

Turkey has reportedly made a payment of USD 1.4 billion for the F-35 jets, adding urgency to the discussions. The Biden administration has approached Turkey with caution, reflecting on the country’s democratic backsliding and its relationship with Moscow. Critics, including opposition parties and human rights organizations, have accused Erdogan of undermining democracy and stifling freedom of expression throughout his tenure.

The geopolitical landscape also plays a crucial role in these discussions. Trump views Erdogan as a vital partner in addressing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The two leaders share a common interest in formulating strategies regarding Syria, particularly following the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad last December.

Complex Relations Amid Geopolitical Challenges

Erdogan aims to position Turkey as a stabilizing force in a turbulent region, asserting that it can bridge geopolitical divides related to Ukraine, Syria, and U.S. trade tariffs. The Turkish government has also expressed its role as a credible broker in the Black Sea region, maintaining relations with both Ukraine and Russia.

Tensions between Turkey and Israel have escalated due to conflicting interests in Gaza and Syria, complicating Turkey’s relationship with the U.S. The fallout from the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen significant casualties on both sides, has drawn sharp criticism from Erdogan. He recently condemned Israel’s actions, describing them as “genocide” during his address at the United Nations General Assembly. This assertion has been met with rebuttals from both Israel and the United States.

Erdogan’s participation in a meeting hosted by Trump, which included leaders from eight Arab and Muslim countries, underscores the intricate dynamics at play. The discussions aimed to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which escalated following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in over 1,200 Israeli fatalities and numerous hostages taken. The humanitarian toll on the Palestinian side has been equally severe, with reports estimating over 65,000 Palestinian deaths amid widespread destruction of infrastructure.

As the meeting approaches, the focus will be on how both leaders navigate the complexities of their nations’ relationships and the broader geopolitical challenges that lie ahead. The outcome of their discussions could shape not only U.S.-Turkey relations but also impact the stability of the region in the coming months.