Trump Signals F-35 Ban on Turkey May Be Lifted After White House Talks With Erdoğan

Following a two-hour meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump hinted at lifting the F-35 embargo on Turkey, suggesting a thaw in U.S.-Turkey defense ties. Erdoğan welcomed the dialogue, raising hopes for resolution on long-standing issues, including Halkbank and the reopening of the Halki Seminary.

A Reset in U.S.–Turkey Defense Relations?

President Donald Trump has signaled that the United States may lift its ban on F-35 fighter jet sales to Turkey, following a high-level meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Washington on Thursday. The potential reversal marks a pivotal moment in the strained U.S.–Turkey defense relationship and could usher in a new era of strategic cooperation between the NATO allies.

“This was a good meeting,” Trump told reporters after the Oval Office session, the first face-to-face encounter between the two leaders since 2019. “We’re going to come to a conclusion. You’ll know by the end of the day.”

Erdoğan, speaking to Turkish media after the meeting, said: “It was clear that President Trump understands Turkey’s legitimate defense needs. We hope this dialogue will lead to a new chapter in our strategic partnership.”

F-35 Ban Traced to Russian S-400 Deal

The U.S. removed Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 after Ankara purchased Russia’s S-400 missile defense system. Washington had argued that operating the S-400 alongside NATO’s fifth-generation stealth fighter posed a serious security risk.

Since then, Turkey has been lobbying for reentry into the program. Erdoğan reiterated this point in a recent interview with Fox News, calling the ban “inconsistent with the spirit of strategic partnership” and asserting, “We have fulfilled all our obligations. It’s time to correct this mistake.”

Erdoğan Urges Resolution on Halkbank and Halki Seminary

In addition to the F-35 issue, Erdoğan raised two long-standing points of contention during the meeting: the Halkbank case and the reopening of the Halki Greek Orthodox Seminary.

According to Turkish sources, Erdoğan asked Trump for the U.S. to drop charges against Halkbank, the state-owned bank indicted in New York over allegedly violating U.S. sanctions on Iran. “We see the Halkbank issue as a political matter that needs to be resolved through diplomacy, not litigation,” Erdoğan said.

He also pressed for the reopening of the Halki Seminary—a key issue for U.S. policymakers concerned with religious freedom. Erdoğan reportedly said that Turkey is open to reopening the theological school on Heybeliada “if Greece reciprocates with steps regarding the rights of the Turkish Muslim minority in Western Thrace.”

Trump Praises Erdoğan’s Role in Syria and Ukraine

Trump used the meeting to highlight Erdoğan’s “critical role” in shaping the post-war landscape in Syria, following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in late 2024. “President Erdoğan doesn’t take the credit, but he’s the one responsible for Syria—for the successful fight in ridding Syria of its past leader,” Trump said.

He also pointed to Erdoğan’s balancing act between Russia and Ukraine, calling the Turkish leader “respected by both Putin and Zelenskyy.” Trump added, “He could play a big role in bringing peace to Ukraine.”

Energy Trade With Russia: A Point of Friction

Despite the warm tone, Trump pressed Erdoğan on Turkey’s continued energy trade with Russia, which has totaled more than $90 billion since early 2023. “The best thing he could do is not buy oil and gas from Russia,” Trump said.

Ankara has so far resisted Western pressure to join the sanctions regime against Moscow, instead maintaining what Erdoğan calls a policy of “strategic autonomy.” However, U.S. officials remain concerned about the implications of Turkey’s energy dependence on Russia for NATO unity.

Gaza Tensions Avoided at the Podium

The meeting notably avoided public mention of tensions over Gaza, where Turkey has been among the most vocal critics of Israeli military actions. Erdoğan has repeatedly referred to Israeli operations as genocide, a characterization that has drawn bipartisan criticism in Washington.

While some expected the issue to be raised during the meeting, Trump kept the focus on defense and bilateral ties, perhaps signaling a desire to contain friction over Middle East policy for now.

A Potential Thaw in a Cold Alliance

The Oval Office handshake between Trump and Erdoğan may mark a turning point in U.S.–Turkey relations, long marred by disputes over Syria, defense procurement, human rights, and sanctions.

Defense analysts say the willingness to reconsider the F-35 issue could unlock further cooperation—not only in military technology, but also in regional security, post-war reconstruction, and counterterrorism operations.

“It’s too early to declare a full reset,” one former U.S. official told PA Turkey, “but clearly both leaders are signaling they want to stabilize this relationship.”

Various international press sources