Erdoğan Signals New Era with U.S. After Trump Meeting, Seeks Return to F-35 Program

Following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the NATO Leaders Summit in The Hague, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced the beginning of a new chapter in Türkiye–U.S. relations, highlighting progress on key issues such as the F-35 fighter jet program, Gaza ceasefire efforts, and Syria policy coordination.

“A New Era with My Friend Trump”

Erdoğan, addressing Turkish journalists accompanying him in the Netherlands, described his one-on-one meeting with Trump as “fruitful”, covering a wide range of bilateral and international issues. This marked their first in-person interaction since Trump’s inauguration on January 20.

“With my friend Trump, we are slightly opening the door to a new era in Turkish-American relations,” Erdoğan said, adding that Trump is now “responding to calls in under 24 hours.”

Erdoğan emphasized both leaders’ commitment to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion, an ambition that has long been a shared goal.

Türkiye Pushes for F-35 Reentry

One of the key topics on Erdoğan’s agenda was Türkiye’s return to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, from which it was excluded due to its procurement of Russian S-400 missile defense systems.

“We have not given up on the F-35s. Discussions with our counterparts have already begun. We hope to make progress,” Erdoğan affirmed.

The president underscored that technical-level meetings are underway and that he directly raised the issue with Trump, signaling a possible thaw in defense cooperation.

Focus on Gaza and Ukraine Peace Efforts

Turning to regional conflicts, Erdoğan pressed the need for international mediation to end violence in Gaza and Ukraine, echoing Türkiye’s diplomatic role.

“This brutality in Gaza must end. No one will feel safe until the bloodshed stops,” he said, urging Trump to apply the same energy he has shown in Israel–Iran diplomacy to the Palestine–Israel conflict.

Erdoğan added that Trump responded positively to Türkiye’s peace proposal, emphasizing the need to maintain open dialogue channels to prevent further instability in the region.

Türkiye’s Red Lines on Syria

Erdoğan also addressed recent developments in Syria, especially following Trump’s decision to ease sanctions. He reiterated Türkiye’s firm stance on the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and its concerns over SDF–Damascus military cooperation.

“We continue to convey our sensitivities regarding the SDF at every level,” Erdoğan said, stressing the importance of Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity.

Despite historical differences, Erdoğan noted that “constructive contacts with Trump have enabled common ground on tough issues,” reflecting Türkiye’s desire to strengthen strategic coordination with Washington.

Erdoğan’s remarks from The Hague signal not just renewed diplomacy with the U.S., but also an attempt to reposition Türkiye within key defense and geopolitical frameworks. From reviving F-35 talks to pushing ceasefire diplomacy in Gaza and reiterating red lines in Syria, Ankara appears to be recalibrating its transatlantic ties as regional tensions grow.