US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met for over two hours at the White House, holding high-stakes talks on defense cooperation, regional conflicts, and trade. The Oval Office meeting, which both leaders described positively—with Trump calling it “great”—highlighted efforts to recalibrate US – Turkey relations despite ongoing tensions.
Before the meeting began, both President Trump and President Erdogan addressed reporters in the Oval Office. When asked about the agenda, Erdogan said the talks would include the reopening of the Greek school of Halki, as well as the sale of F-35 and F-16 fighter jets.
He added that Turkey was “ready to do whatever we can on our side” and that he would also discuss the matter with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to explore how the seminary’s reopening could move forward.
Trump, for his part, confirmed the issue had been raised with him days earlier during his meeting with Bartholomew at the White House. “The Greek Orthodox Church was here and they would really like some help, and I said I would bring it up,” the US President said.
Defense deals and sanctions talks between Trump and Erdogan
During their joint statements, Trump described Erdogan as a “friend” and a “remarkable man,” while Erdogan emphasized Turkey’s readiness to “take relations to another level.”
Trump noted that the two sides would discuss Patriot missile systems and the F-35 program, adding: “We are asking for specific things, and we will reach a conclusion.”
He suggested that if talks progressed well, sanctions on Turkey could be lifted “almost automatically.” Trade tariffs were also on the table.
Trump and Erdogan talk about Gaza and Middle East tensions
Turning to the conflict in Gaza, Trump said he wanted an immediate halt to the fighting and the release of all hostages.
“I want the war to stop now, and I want all the hostages back—not one today and another next week. I want them all now,” he said.
He clarified that he did not expect Erdogan to mediate the hostage issue, while announcing plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon.
War in Ukraine and Russia’s role
On Ukraine, Trump remarked that Erdogan knows Russian President Vladimir Putin well, just as he does. He repeated his belief that the conflict could have been resolved more easily than other global crises but acknowledged the war’s persistence.
Trump described Russia as a “paper tiger,” warning that if the war continues, Moscow’s vulnerabilities will become clear. He urged Turkey to stop purchasing Russian oil, stressing: “This war has already cost millions of lives. For what reason? It’s a disgrace. Putin must stop.”
Trade relations on the agenda
Looking ahead, Trump said both countries were poised to pursue new economic opportunities.
“We’re going to make some great trade deals for both nations,” he said, hinting at efforts to expand bilateral commerce alongside the broader strategic discussions.
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