Trump offers Erdogan modern weapons in exchange for stopping trade with Russia

The strategy hidden behind bright promises and smiles in the White House represents a complex diplomatic art. Recent proposals by U.S. President Donald Trump to sell Turkey F-16 and F-35 fighters have once again brought unique diplomatic challenges to the forefront.

According to Hayit Eitan Cohen Yanarocak, a senior researcher at the Dayan Center at Tel Aviv University, “Trump’s genius lies in making such demands that the Turks cannot insistently demand the F-35.”

Trump’s new initiative — the demand for Turkey to stop purchasing Russian oil and gas — sounds like a condition that Erdogan is unlikely to fulfill. “Turkey is unlikely to withstand this,” concludes Cohen Yanarocak, also noting that “the country has a very balanced foreign policy.”

Instead of directly refusing the F-35 deliveries, Trump takes a detour by offering new conditions.

“This allows him to make the Turks back down from their demands for the F-35,” the expert emphasizes.

Erdogan’s reaction to such demands was subtle and thoughtful. “He heard the American request but did not respond to it on camera,” the researcher points out. Meanwhile, Turkey, being a NATO member, is cautious in its relations with Russia, trying to act as a mediator between Moscow and Kyiv. Cohen Yanarocak’s forecast is unequivocal: “Despite the pressure, Turkey is unlikely to change its stance towards Russia.”

Nevertheless, on other issues related to cooperation, Turkey is ready to work together. For example, during the UN meeting, it was revealed what an important role this country plays on the international stage. “It is believed that this meeting was organized by Turkey, and Trump later became a participant,” the expert comments. “Photos show Erdogan and Trump sitting at the head of the table, which says a lot.”

In particular, regarding the deal on the exchange of hostages in Gaza, Turkey could become a key player. “Erdogan is indeed capable of playing a significant role in negotiations on this issue,” he notes, pointing to Turkey’s ties with Hamas.

In Syria, Turkey’s successes are even more noticeable. “After the start of the civil war in Syria, Turkey took a number of steps against the Assad regime,” says Cohen Yanarocak. “The goal was to support Sunni groups, which ultimately contributed to weakening the previous regime of Bashar al-Assad.”

Currently, Turkey is considered the dominant force in Syria, displacing the interests of Russia and Iran. For Erdogan, this represents the realization of a historical dream. “Turkey seeks to restore the former glory and unique influence of the Ottoman era,” the researcher clarifies.

Given the latest trends in relations between Trump and Erdogan, positive changes for Israel are also possible. “I hope that Trump is the only one who can disrupt the tension in relations between Israel and Turkey,” assures Cohen Yanarocak.

In the context of separate meetings between Russian President Putin and Erdogan, important steps were outlined for both countries.

For Erdogan, the meeting with Trump became an important political victory. Comparisons are actively spreading on Turkish social networks: “Photos from 20 years ago with Clinton and the former Turkish prime minister clearly show a humble posture of the Turkish leader towards the American president. And now — Erdogan with Trump at the top of the table at the UN summit.”

The internal message is clear: “Erdogan uses this visit and speech to strengthen his reputation at home and abroad.” However, Trump apparently remains the leading force in this diplomatic game, and only time will tell how Erdogan will manage to avoid manipulation by the American leader.