Gönül Tol (@gonultol) said:
Expanding its LNG portfolio and investing in new infrastructure has been a smart play for Turkey, strengthening its push to diversify energy suppliers. The latest deal carries an extra advantage: it doubles as a sweetener for the Trump administration, which may press Ankara to
(https://x.com/gonultol/status/1971311587009962295?t=vTGIry1JN0DOu7jZDmNW4Q&s=03)
Trump’s joint press conference with Erdogan today was filled with softball questions that surely pleased the Turkish side. Yet there were four remarks Ankara likely wished he hadn’t made on camera:
“Turkey had sentenced Pastor Brunson to 35 years in jail, I called Erdogan and he he released him.” “Erdogan asked me for a favor about Halkbank,” the state lender facing steep US penalties for allegedly evading Iran sanctions. “I want Turkey to stop buying Russian oil.” “Erdogan knows about rigged elections better than anyone.”
(https://x.com/gonultol/status/1971301141498691838?t=RJiyIsEs_8HyHD10VHaKbw&s=03)
Clash Report (@clashreport) on Sept 25, 2025:
Trump pulled the chairs of only the following people:
President Erdoğan’s recent meeting with President Trump at the White House focused on critical bilateral and regional topics, but produced few immediate results on contentious issues such as sanctions, defense deals, and the Gaza crisis. The tone was cordial, with Trump highly praising Erdoğan and hinting at progress on several fronts, yet most unresolved matters remained open.youtubealjazeera+3
Major Meeting Topics
The meeting marked Erdoğan’s first White House visit in six years and fell at a time of heightened tension in the Middle East. Main agenda items included:aljazeera+2
The potential for lifting U.S. sanctions on Turkey, especially regarding arms deals for F-16 and F-35 fighter jets, which Turkey has actively sought.apnews+3youtube
Trump suggested that any removal of sanctions depended on Turkey meeting several expectations, notably reducing Russian oil and gas imports, and reopening the Heybeliada Greek Orthodox seminary.reuters+2youtube
Trade and investment, with both leaders discussing billions in potential deals—including Boeing aircraft purchases.bloomberg+1youtube
Gaza, Syria, and International Issues
Despite Erdoğan’s vocal condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza at the UN just days before, the issue was conspicuously absent from his direct discussions with Trump. Only one journalist mentioned Gaza, and it was Trump who shifted focus to Israeli hostages held by Hamas, praising Erdoğan’s influence in the region but making no clear commitments. Topics like the Syrian conflict and the PKK/SDF situation were also mentioned only briefly, with no substantive public discussion or new policy direction emerging.atlanticcouncil+2youtube
Insights from Murat Yetkin’s Commentary
Journalist Murat Yetkin emphasized the choreographed nature of Erdoğan’s silence during the trip, pointing out that neither he nor Turkish journalists pressed for statements on Gaza, SDF, or Israel, instead focusing on possible F-35 and F-16 sales and U.S. sanctions. Yetkin also noted that Trump’s repeated praise for Erdoğan appeared aimed at improving his legitimacy among U.S. lawmakers, especially regarding Congressional approval of any defense deals.youtube
Outcomes and Criticism
No joint press conference or detailed statement followed the meeting, leading to speculation about its effectiveness. While the personal rapport between Trump and Erdoğan was on full display, deep disagreements—including Turkey’s energy ties with Russia, military acquisitions, and regional interventions—remain unresolved.pbs+3youtube
Overall, the event signaled a thaw in U.S.–Turkey ties but left most key disputes—especially on defense, sanctions, and Middle Eastern policy—still pending future negotiation.bbc+5youtube
