Trump Says He Persuaded Erdogan to Stay Out of Iran Conflict, Signals Possible F-35 Deal

President Donald Trump said he personally persuaded Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan not to become involved in the recent conflict with Iran. Trump also indicated he may approve the long-sought sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, while praising Erdogan as a strong NATO ally despite ongoing tensions between Turkey and Israel.

Trump Says Erdogan Stayed Out After Personal Request

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he personally convinced Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan not to become involved in the recent conflict with Iran.

Speaking at the White House alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump said Erdogan had considered entering the conflict but ultimately chose not to after their discussions.

"He's a friend of mine, and he stayed out of the war," Trump said. "He was a prime candidate to go into the war with Iran, maybe on Iran's side because he's not a big fan of Israel. I asked him to stay out, and he stayed out."

Possible F-35 Sale Back on the Table

Trump also suggested that Turkey could receive the F-35 fighter jets it has sought for years, describing Erdogan as a valuable NATO partner.

"He's a strong member of NATO... I'm probably going to do something that's going to make him very happy," Trump told reporters when asked about the aircraft.

Relations Between Turkey and Israel Remain Strained

While Trump praised Erdogan, relations between Israel and Turkey have sharply deteriorated since Hamas launched its October 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel.

Erdogan has repeatedly accused Israel of aggression and strongly criticized Israeli military operations against Hamas terrorists in Gaza. He has also hosted senior Hamas leaders, including former Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was later eliminated by Israel.

The Turkish president has also acknowledged that more than 1,000 Hamas members received medical treatment in Turkish hospitals and has objected to describing Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Regional Tensions Continue

Earlier this month, Erdogan claimed Israeli military operations in Syria and Lebanon could threaten Turkey and warned that any harm to Turkish or Turkish-Cypriot interests would trigger a strong response.

Trump's comments highlight his continued direct engagement with regional leaders while signaling a possible shift in U.S.-Turkey defense relations through renewed consideration of the F-35 fighter jet program.