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U.S. President Donald Trump hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the White House for high-stakes talks on the Middle East conflict, Turkiye’s purchase of Russian oil, and the potential resumption of F-35 fighter jets sales. Both leaders also discussed Gaza conflict, sanctions, trade, and Ukraine war.

Turkish President Erdogan’s September 25 visit marked his first official trip to Washington since 2019, signaling a possible thaw in strained U.S.-Turkey relations.

The visit came at a moment of heightened geopolitical tension, with Washington seeking to rally support against Russia while also trying to push for a resolution to the conflict in Gaza. The atmosphere was notably warmer than in 2019, when Erdogan’s visit was overshadowed by disputes over Syria. This time, both Trump and Erdogan emphasized friendship and cooperation.

“He’s a highly respected man. He’s respected very much in his country and throughout Europe and throughout the world, where they know him,” Trump said in the Oval Office, adding that “It’s an honour to have him.”

President Donald J. Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan @trpresidency. 🇺🇸🤝🇹🇷 pic.twitter.com/TJkVDoW5tM

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 25, 2025

Erdogan responded by saying he was “very pleased” to be back and hoped U.S.-Turkish relations could reach “a much different level.”

Push for Gaza Ceasefire

The White House talks followed a week of diplomacy at the United Nations General Assembly, where both Trump and Erdogan joined discussions with Arab and Muslim leaders on Gaza.

Since October 2023, Israel’s war in Gaza has killed more than 65,000 Palestinians and wounded over 167,000, according to UN figures. Earlier this month, an independent UN commission accused Israel of committing genocide in the territory.

Trump told reporters the U.S. was “close to a deal” that could end the war. “I think we can get that one done,” he said. “I hope we can get it done. A lot of people are dying, but we want the hostages back.”

He stressed that the return of Israeli captives, both the living and the deceased, remained a condition for any ceasefire. “The next step is to talk to Prime Minister Netanyahu and tell him everybody wants this war to end,” Trump added.

Erdogan voiced support for Trump’s efforts, saying, “I believe in the peace efforts Mr Trump is leading.” The Turkish president has been one of the most vocal critics of Israel’s military campaign, accusing it of genocide against Palestinians. Turkiye formally recognizes Palestinian statehood, setting it apart from many of its NATO allies.

US Sanctions and Fighter Jet Sales

Another major issue was defense cooperation, particularly the status of U.S. sanctions on Turkiye. In 2019, Washington removed Turkiye from the F-35 program after Ankara purchased Russian S-400 air defense systems. That decision also brought sanctions on Turkiye’s defense industry.

But Trump suggested the restrictions could soon be lifted. “I know he wants the F-35, and he’s wanted that, and we’re talking about that very seriously,” Trump said. “I think he’ll be successful in buying the things that he wants to buy.”

He also said sanctions on Turkiye could be lifted “very soon” and “almost immediately” if the meeting with Erdogan proved productive.

Turkiye is also pursuing a multi-billion-dollar deal for 40 F-16 fighter jets. The U.S. approved the sale in January 2024, after the Turkish parliament ratified Sweden’s NATO membership. In addition, Turkish Airlines is finalizing an agreement to purchase more than 200 aircraft from Boeing.

For Erdogan, defense cooperation with Washington is a key priority. His government has long sought to reverse the F-35 suspension, which Ankara argues unfairly punished a NATO ally.

Trump Presses Erdogan on Russian Oil

Despite the friendly tone, Trump pushed Erdogan to stop buying Russian oil. Turkiye is among the largest purchasers in Europe, along with Hungary and Slovakia. “I’d like to have him stop buying any oil from Russia while Russia continues this rampage against Ukraine,” Trump said.

Trump also addressed Moscow directly, saying it was time for Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the invasion of Ukraine. “Russia’s spent millions and millions of dollars in bombs, missiles, ammunition, and lives, their lives. And they’ve gained virtually no land,” he said. “I think it’s time to stop, I really do.”

By pressing Erdogan on Russian oil, Trump is signaling that Ankara’s balancing act between Moscow and Washington will face sharper scrutiny. Turkiye has maintained energy trade with Russia despite Western sanctions, justifying it as vital for its economy. For Washington, cutting off this revenue stream is central to limiting Russia’s ability to fund its war.

Syria and Regional Realignment

Syria also featured prominently in Thursday’s talks. Trump teased what he called a “major announcement” on the conflict, though he offered no specifics.

He credited Erdogan with playing a key role in shaping Syria’s future following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad last December. “I think President Erdogan is the one responsible for Syria, for the successful fight in ridding Syria of its past leader,” Trump said. “I think this man is responsible. He doesn’t take the responsibility, but it’s actually a great achievement.”

Trump added that the U.S. had already lifted some sanctions on Syria, arguing the country needed space to “breathe” after years of war and sanctions pressure.

The comments underscore how U.S. and Turkish positions on Syria have converged after years of discord. In 2019, Ankara’s offensive against U.S.-backed Kurdish forces in northern Syria caused a crisis in relations. Today, both Trump and Erdogan back Syria’s central government, signaling a dramatic policy shift.

US-Turkiye Ties Improving

The White House meeting reflects a reset in U.S.-Turkish ties after years of cool relations under former President Joe Biden. The Biden administration often kept Ankara at arm’s length over its ties with Russia and concerns about democratic backsliding.

Trump, however, has highlighted his personal rapport with Erdogan. “This is a tough man,” he told reporters. “This is a guy who’s highly opinionated. Usually, I don’t like opinionated people, but I always like this one.”

Erdogan, who has cultivated a strongman image at home, appears eager to leverage that relationship. “We’ve had a very good relationship for a long time,” Trump added. “It’s an honour to have him here.”

For Erdogan, the visit was an opportunity to end years of isolation in Washington and reopen the door to high-level U.S. deals. For Trump, it was a chance to display international leadership, promising progress on two of the world’s most urgent crises: Gaza and Ukraine.

President Erdoğan meets with U.S. think tank representatives https://t.co/v5HbeeyRRU pic.twitter.com/qEuEJQ49R7

— Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye (@trpresidency) September 24, 2025