Erdoğan's F-35 message to the US ahead of Trump meeting

AKP Chairman and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in his assessment to Bloomberg, stated that Turkey–US relations have been progressing through various crisis points for a long time, but that the return of US President Donald Trump to office could open the door to a more rational period based on mutual understanding.

Erdoğan stated that he brought the F-35 issue directly to the agenda during his meeting with Trump at the White House in September, describing Turkey's removal from the program despite having paid for it as a "clear injustice."

President Erdoğan said, "Turkey's inclusion back into the F-35 program is important not only for bilateral relations but also for the deterrence and security of NATO. This issue has become a symbolic topic that damages the relations of two strategic partners."

CRITICAL CONTACT WITH TRUMP

When answering journalists' questions after Friday prayers last week, President Erdoğan, upon being asked about 2026 projections regarding the future of the war between Russia and Ukraine, said, "As you know, my meetings with Mr. Putin, Mr. Zelensky, and in this regard, with Trump and leaders of European countries are ongoing. We will have another meeting with Mr. Trump around 16:00 on Monday. We will have the opportunity to discuss issues between Russia and Ukraine, as well as issues in Palestine."

It is expected that the US operations against Venezuela and the allegation of the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife to the US will also be on the agenda during the meeting.

S-400 DOSSIER AND DEFENSE DIPLOMACY

Addressing the report published by Bloomberg last month, which claimed that Turkey is considering returning the S-400 air defense systems it purchased from Russia, Erdoğan confirmed that this issue has been discussed in contacts with Moscow. According to information obtained, Erdoğan conveyed the options regarding the S-400s to Russian President Vladimir Putin during a meeting held in Turkmenistan.

This development is considered one of the most concrete steps by Ankara toward normalizing relations with Washington in the field of defense. Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Turkey and a figure close to Trump, also stated in a statement in December that Ankara is close to giving up the S-400s and that the process could be concluded within four to six months.

Erdoğan stated that the process regarding Turkey's purchase of F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from the US is also continuing, noting that price negotiations are ongoing. Stating, "We expect conditions befitting the law of alliance," Erdoğan hinted that alternatives in the defense field are on the table by recalling the Eurofighter procurement process.

HARSH CRITICISM OF THE HALKBANK CASE

The Halkbank case was also one of the important topics in the Bloomberg interview. Erdoğan evaluated the trial of the bank in the US on allegations of violating Iran sanctions as a political pressure tool against Turkey.

Stating, "What is essential for us is the reputation of Turkey," Erdoğan emphasized that Halkbank should not be punished unfairly. Stating that negotiations are continuing within this framework, Erdoğan expressed that a result that is both in accordance with the law and compatible with the strategic partnership of the two countries is aimed for.

SEARCH FOR BALANCE IN ENERGY

Reminding that the Trump administration wants Turkey, one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil, to limit energy imports from Moscow, Erdoğan said that Ankara is following a balanced policy in this process. He also noted that purchases by refineries in Turkey have decreased following the US sanctions on Russia's major oil producers.

Stating that the energy strategy is being reviewed to address US concerns, Erdoğan conveyed that they are moving toward creating a portfolio based on American LNG. Stating, "We have increased our US-origin LNG supply significantly," Erdoğan emphasized that the US has become an important actor in Turkey's LNG supply chain.

Stating, "Energy security is a national security issue for us," Erdoğan said that as a country that meets most of its hydrocarbon needs through imports, every step is taken meticulously.

TURKEY EMPHASIS ON UKRAINE AND GAZA

Erdoğan argued that Turkey has a special diplomatic position in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war. He said that Turkey, which does not impose sanctions on Russia but limits passage through the straits and provides arms support to Kyiv, is ready to make Istanbul the center of peace talks again when conditions are met.

Regarding Gaza, Erdoğan stated that Turkey played a critical role in the ceasefire reached in October. Expressing that the legitimacy of the International Stabilization Force planned to be deployed in Gaza depends on the inclusion of countries with a presence on the ground in the process, Erdoğan stated that Turkey is in the position of a "key country" at this point.