President Donald Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 [2], for bilateral talks.
The meeting serves as a critical precursor to a two-day NATO summit [1]. The discussions aim to stabilize relations between the two allies and resolve long-standing disputes regarding military hardware and regional security.
A primary focus of the dialogue is Turkey's access to F-35 fighter jets. According to reports, the Trump administration is evaluating the restoration of Turkey's access to the advanced aircraft program to strengthen the alliance's eastern flank.
During joint remarks, Trump touched upon the challenges of coordinating with other European allies. "Italy turned us down, and Germany turned us down," Trump said.
The visit to Ankara allows both leaders to align their positions before the broader NATO meetings begin. The bilateral session focused on addressing specific concerns that could otherwise hinder the progress of the upcoming summit.
Both presidents emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Turkey relationship within the context of the larger alliance. The meeting concluded with a series of joint statements regarding the strategic partnership between the two nations.
“"Italy turned us down, and Germany turned us down,"”
This meeting signals a potential shift in US policy toward Turkey, specifically regarding the F-35 program. By addressing bilateral grievances before the formal NATO summit, the US seeks to ensure a more unified front among member states and reduce friction with a key strategic partner in the Middle East.
