Trump Signals Possible End to Sanctions on Turkey, Urges Erdogan to Halt Russian Oil Imports

Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump suggested on Thursday that sanctions on Turkey could soon be lifted, potentially clearing the way for Ankara to purchase F-35 fighter jets once again. However, Trump made it clear that he wants Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to halt all oil purchases from Russia as the U.S. ramps up efforts to choke off Moscow’s funding for its war in Ukraine.

Erdogan’s first visit to the White House in nearly six years began with a warm reception from Trump, who praised the Turkish leader as a “very tough man” and emphasized that they had remained “friends” even during the Biden administration. Ankara is keen to use this personal relationship to advance national interests, including defense procurements and major trade deals.

“I’d like to have him stop buying any oil from Russia while Russia continues this rampage against Ukraine,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, where the two leaders sat side by side. Turkey, along with Hungary and Slovakia, is one of Europe’s biggest buyers of Russian oil.

When asked about selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, Trump said he was optimistic: “I think he’ll be successful in buying the things that he wants to buy.” He further indicated that sanctions on Turkey could be lifted “very soon,” possibly “almost immediately” if Thursday’s meeting yielded positive results.

Hopes for a Reset in U.S.–Turkey Relations

During the Biden administration, relations between Washington and Ankara were strained over Turkey’s close ties with Moscow. But Trump, who has taken a more conciliatory stance toward Russia and maintains a strong personal relationship with Erdogan, appears to be charting a new course.

Trump and Erdogan had a complicated relationship during Trump’s first term, often clashing over U.S. support for Kurdish fighters in Syria. However, since Trump’s return to the White House, both nations now back Syria’s central government — a major shift that has reduced tensions on what was once their most contentious issue.

Despite their improved alignment, Washington and Ankara remain at odds over Israel’s ongoing strikes in Gaza, which Turkey has condemned as genocide. This remains a potential flashpoint that could complicate otherwise transactional and pragmatic talks between the two leaders.

Sanctions and F-35 Program

In 2020, during Trump’s first term, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Turkey after Ankara purchased the Russian S-400 missile defense system, leading to Turkey’s expulsion from the F-35 program. Ankara had been both a buyer and a manufacturer of the advanced stealth jets.

The renewed dialogue and Trump’s softened tone have raised Turkish hopes that Washington might once again allow participation in the program. Turkey is also negotiating the purchase of 40 F-16 fighter jets as part of a broader effort to upgrade its air force.

As NATO’s second-largest military, Turkey wants to enhance its air power to meet growing threats in the Middle East, Eastern Mediterranean, and Black Sea regions — all areas of strategic importance where it shares a border with Russia and Ukraine.

Religious and Diplomatic Signals

Erdogan also told reporters he is prepared to take necessary steps to reopen the Halki Seminary, an Orthodox Christian theological school near Istanbul that was closed by the Turkish government in 1971. The seminary has long been a point of contention between Turkey and both Greece and the European Union.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians worldwide, recently met with Trump in Washington and expressed hope that the school could begin admitting students again next year. Erdogan said he would discuss the matter with Bartholomew upon returning to Turkey.

Looking Ahead

Thursday’s meeting between Trump and Erdogan focused heavily on defense industry cooperation, regional conflicts, energy policy, and trade. If sanctions are lifted and arms deals proceed, the relationship between Washington and Ankara could enter a new era of pragmatic cooperation, though significant challenges — from Russia policy to Gaza — still loom.