President Donald Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 [1], for bilateral talks in Ankara [2].
The meeting serves as a critical juncture for NATO alliance stability, as the two leaders navigate complex disputes over military procurement and regional security. The discussions aim to resolve long-standing friction between the U.S. and Turkey regarding defense hardware, and sanctions.
The leaders convened at the NATO summit venue in Ankara [3]. According to the agenda, the talks focused on defense cooperation and the possibility of a new F-35 fighter jet sale to Turkey [4]. The two presidents also addressed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, known as CAATSA, which has historically strained relations between the two nations [4].
Beyond military hardware, the bilateral session covered regional geopolitical tensions. The leaders discussed issues involving Iran, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine [4]. These topics remain central to NATO's strategic posture in the East, where Turkey acts as a primary gateway between Europe and Asia.
During the proceedings, Trump referenced diplomatic challenges with other European allies. "Italy turned us down, and Germany turned us down," Trump said [5].
This meeting follows previous indications that such a session was expected. President Erdoğan had previously said in June that he expected to have bilateral talks with Trump during the summit [6]. The event marks a significant effort to align the two leaders' interests on security, and trade within the framework of the alliance.
“"Italy turned us down, and Germany turned us down,"”
The bilateral meeting signals a potential shift in U.S.-Turkey relations, specifically regarding the F-35 program and CAATSA sanctions. By addressing these grievances directly during a NATO summit, the leaders are attempting to stabilize a volatile partnership that is essential for the alliance's southern flank and its diplomatic leverage over Russia and Iran.
