Trump met with Erdogan: close to a deal to end the war in Gaza

On September 25, 2025, a meeting took place at the White House between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

During the session, Trump emphasized the importance of being close to an agreement on the issue of hostage return, mentioning a previous meeting with Middle Eastern leaders.

“I had excellent negotiations… at the UN General Assembly and I think we are close to finalizing the deal. We need to get the hostages back,” Trump stated.

When asked about Erdoğan’s position on the war in Gaza, Trump said:

“I don’t know his opinion, I can’t tell you about it.”

Erdoğan, in turn, seeks to persuade the American administration to change the previous decision on the sale of F-35 fighters to Turkey, made in response to Ankara’s acquisition of Russian air defense systems. He also hopes that Trump will agree to lift the sanctions and tariffs imposed on Turkey.

Trump, speaking in turn, expressed a desire for Erdoğan to stop purchasing oil from Russia while it continues to wage war against Ukraine.

“I would like him to stop buying oil from Russia while it carries out its actions against Ukraine,” Trump emphasized.