President Donald Trump landed in Ankara and was greeted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to reports. Reports by Reuters and The New York Times note that Trump plans to re-establish Turkey's access to the F-35 fighter jet during the summit.
This afternoon, President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara for the NATO summit, where he was warmly greeted at the foot of his plane by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, as The Zioneer reported earlier at 14:38 Jerusalem. The two leaders subsequently held a meeting, reported at 15:59 Jerusalem.
Now, reports from Reuters and The New York Times indicate that Trump intends to use the summit to re-establish Turkey's access to the F-35 fighter jet, a program from which Ankara was suspended after acquiring the Russian S-400 air defense system. The move follows weeks of signals from the White House, including a review ordered by Vice President Vance and Trump's own hints of a 'big bag of gifts' for Erdogan, as The Zioneer reported on June 25.
The potential restoration of Turkey's F-35 participation has drawn warnings from Israel, with Prime Minister Netanyahu cautioning that it could threaten Israel's air superiority in the region, as reported at 08:37 Jerusalem. Congressional approval remains uncertain, with some lawmakers opposing the sale.
The warm reception from Erdogan, described by onlookers as unusually effusive, marks the first U.S. presidential visit to Turkey in 11 years and underscores the improving ties between Ankara and Washington under the Trump administration.
- StrongTrump expected to support F-35 sale to Turkey during Ankara visit, report says
- StrongTrump expected to visit Turkey, meet Erdogan, hints at 'big bag of gifts' including F-35 deal
- StrongTrump says he will likely approve F-35 and engine sale to Turkey
- DevelopingReport: Trump tells Erdogan he's coming to NATO summit in July just for him
Source and signal
- Internal intake