All articles tagged with #us turkey relations
President Trump met with Turkish President Erdogan at the White House, signaling a potential lift of the US ban on F-35 sales to Turkey, amid ongoing tensions over Turkey's purchase of Russian defense systems and broader geopolitical issues. The meeting aimed to improve relations and address mutual concerns, including Turkey's role in regional conflicts and its ties with Russia.
Turkish President Erdogan's visit to the White House aims to repair strained US-Turkey relations through potential $50 billion in deals, including military and energy contracts, seeking to strengthen Turkey's role in the Western alliance and boost its economy amid regional tensions.
President Trump is hosting Turkish President Erdogan at the White House amid discussions about lifting the US ban on F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, which has been complicated by Turkey's purchase of Russian missile systems and human rights concerns. Erdogan, eager to restore the F-35 deal, views Turkey as a key regional stabilizer and broker, especially in the context of the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts. The visit marks a significant moment in US-Turkey relations, balancing strategic interests with ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Turkey is seeking to rejoin the US-led F-35 program after being expelled in 2019 due to its purchase of Russian S-400 systems, with discussions ongoing and optimism about lifting sanctions and finalizing the sale, amidst regional and political opposition, including from Israel.
The Biden administration has urged Turkey to restrain the actions of Syrian rebel groups it supports, amid escalating tensions in Syria. This request was reportedly made during a phone call between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The US attributes the current situation to President Bashar al-Assad's refusal to engage in a political process and his reliance on Russia and Iran. The Syrian National Army, backed by Turkey, has been involved in recent attacks on Kurds, while the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham has captured parts of Aleppo.
The United States has warned Turkey against hosting Hamas leaders, emphasizing that leaders of a terrorist organization should not reside comfortably in a key ally's major city. This follows reports, not confirmed by the US, that some Hamas leaders have moved to Turkey from Qatar. The US insists that indicted Hamas leaders should be handed over to them. Turkey, however, denies that Hamas has moved its political office to the country, stating that members only visit occasionally. Meanwhile, Qatar has paused its mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel.
The US has agreed to sell military jets to Turkey after Ankara approved Sweden's bid to join NATO, signaling a potential thaw in US-Turkey relations. The deal comes amid strained ties between the two countries over various issues.
Turkish police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters attempting to storm the Incirlik air base in Turkey, which houses US troops. The protest, organized by the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, called for the closure of the base due to US support for Israel. The clashes occurred just hours before US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's scheduled visit to Ankara for talks on Gaza. Turkey has been increasingly critical of Israel and has been hosting members of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The Biden administration is planning to impose sanctions on five Turkish companies and a Turkish national for allegedly aiding Russia in evading sanctions and supporting Moscow's war against Ukraine. The sanctions are part of a larger package targeting over 150 entities related to Russia. The move comes at a sensitive time for U.S.-Turkey relations, as the U.S. hopes Turkey will ratify NATO membership for Sweden. The United States has been warning about the export of goods from Turkey that can be used in Russia's war efforts.
The path to Sweden's NATO accession is fraught with challenges, particularly due to Turkey's objections. A recent incident involving the burning of a Quran in Stockholm has further strained relations, but Turkish President Erdogan did not cancel talks with Sweden and Finland scheduled for July 6 at NATO headquarters. Some believe Erdogan's muted response indicates a shift in his thinking, possibly influenced by his evolving relationship with Russian President Putin. However, the final decision on Turkey's approval may ultimately depend on the United States, as questions about the Swedish bid have been linked to the US sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. Hungary's ratification of Sweden's bid also remains uncertain.
The US is unlikely to reset its ties with Turkey after the presidential runoff on Sunday, with Recep Tayyip Erdogan expected to win. Diplomats and analysts are hopeful that Sweden will finally be admitted into NATO, but whoever wins, the relationship between Turkey and the US is expected to remain "totally transactional". The F-16 fighter jet deal will be a key bellwether of US-Turkey ties after the election, but it faces stiff opposition in Congress. Erdogan's economic policies will deter much-needed western investment, making him more dependent on autocrats in the Middle East and Russia for financial support.