PNN – Pointing to the dispute between the Israeli regime and Turkey, Trump said: Erdogan intended to go to war, but he didn’t because of me.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, Donald Trump—who has traveled to Turkey to attend the NATO summit—said during a press conference with Erdogan: We are discussing various issues with Erdogan. We will likely talk about Iran as well. We will also discuss military relations. Our relations with Turkey are at their best.
He added: Our relations are very good. We are also discussing F-16 and F-35 fighter jets.
When asked about the F-35 fighter jet program—specifically regarding the possibility of a sale and Turkey joining the project—Trump replied: Why not?
In response to a question about Turkey’s role regarding his attendance at the NATO summit, the US President said: If it weren’t for Erdogan, I might not have attended the NATO summit, because NATO did not treat us well. NATO members told us they would help us after the war. We did not need their help, but Italy, Germany, and France refused our requests for assistance during the war.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also stated at the meeting: We are striving to steer relations between Iran and the United States onto a constructive path, and we aim to take a step toward achieving global peace by doing everything within our power. I will discuss the situation in Gaza with my dear friend Trump. We consider this meeting crucial for maintaining peace in the region and hope that a positive decision will emerge from it.
Regarding a potential gift from Trump to Turkey, Erdoğan stated: The F-35 issue is not new to us; we have previously discussed it with the U.S. We had already purchased five of the fighter jets, and Trump had given us assurances on this matter in the past. I am optimistic about this; I know Trump always keeps his word, and I hope a positive decision will be reached regarding the F-35s.
Regarding the situation of the war in Ukraine, he stated: We are reviewing developments between Russia and Ukraine with Trump and will determine our next steps accordingly.
Speaking about the engine for the KAAN fighter jet, the Turkish President remarked: I have previously discussed this with Trump and will do so again during this meeting; I believe he will share some good news regarding this matter during this visit.
At the meeting, the US President also described Turkey as a very good ally, stating: They are aware of our issues with Iran as well. They could have entered the war on the opposing side, given their own issues with Israel. They are very powerful, but perhaps they refrained from entering the conflict out of regard for me.
Trump also claimed that, like the US, Turkey does not want Iran to possess nuclear weapons.
Regarding the war in Ukraine, the US President remarked: The war in Ukraine has dragged on for a long time. Both sides want an agreement.
Regarding the CAATSA sanctions against Turkey, Trump stated: We will lift the sanctions on Turkey because the time has come. I do not want to cripple my friend Erdogan with CAATSA sanctions.
He also commented on Europe’s involvement in the Ukraine war, saying: The war in Ukraine does not affect us—since an ocean separates us—but rather impacts Europe. We want to help Europe. This war must end. Both Putin and Zelensky are seeking an end to the conflict, and I believe Erdogan is also helping in this regard.
Regarding the head of Syria’s interim government, the Turkish president said: We have a very good relationship with Syria’s new leader. He has done an extraordinary job, and my relationship with him is excellent.
Speaking about the Italian Prime Minister, Trump said: I think he is a good person. However, our relationship became somewhat strained because he refused to assist us regarding the Iran issue. That did affect our relationship to some extent, but I still like him.