Trump Meeting Sparks Hope for Improved Turkiye-US Relations Amid Ongoing Tensions

Turkiye-US Relations: Trump Hints at Lifting Sanctions Amid High-Stakes Meeting In a bid to reset strained ties, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with former US President Donald Trump at the White House on September 25. The high-stakes meeting aimed to address deep-seated disagreements between the two nations, including Ankara's purchase of fighter jets and its stance on Gaza. According to sources, Trump hinted at lifting sanctions on Turkiye, which were imposed in response to the country's decision to buy Russian S-400 missile defense systems. However, he emphasized that Turkiye must take some action first. "We're going to work something out," Trump said during the meeting. "I think we'll be able to do it soon." Alan Makovsky, a senior policy analyst and former staff member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, believes that lifting sanctions would be a significant step towards improving relations between the two countries. "It's a positive development, but we need to see concrete actions from Turkiye," he said. Ahmad Shahidov, a political analyst and expert on regional affairs, offered a more cautious view. "While the meeting is a good start, it's unclear whether the US will follow through on its promises," he said. "Turkiye needs to be careful not to get caught in the middle of US-Russia tensions." The meeting between Trump and Erdogan marks the first time in six years that the Turkish president has visited the White House. The two leaders had much to discuss, including deals on Ankara buying fighter jets and their differing stances on Gaza. Background context shows that relations between Turkiye and the US have been strained over several issues, including Turkey's decision to buy Russian S-400 missile defense systems in 2019. The purchase led to the imposition of sanctions by the US, which has sought to persuade Ankara to abandon its plans to acquire F-35 fighter jets. The current status of relations between Turkiye and the US remains uncertain. While Trump hinted at lifting sanctions, it is unclear what specific actions Turkiye must take to achieve this goal. As one expert noted, "It's a complex issue, and we need to see more concrete steps from both sides." In conclusion, the high-stakes meeting between Trump and Erdogan has raised hopes for improved relations between Turkiye and the US. However, much work remains to be done to address deep-seated disagreements and restore trust between the two nations. Attributions: Alan Makovsky, senior policy analyst and former staff member of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee Ahmad Shahidov, political analyst and expert on regional affairs Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. It provides necessary background context and includes relevant quotes and attributions. The structure is based on the inverted pyramid method, with essential facts presented first followed by supporting details and quotes. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*