President Donald Trump recently met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, indicating a potential lifting of the U.S. ban on F-35 jet sales to Turkey, a NATO ally, which was imposed after Ankara acquired a Russian S-400 air defense system. Erdogan criticized the ban as detrimental to their strategic partnership and expressed readiness to discuss the issue. Trump emphasized the need for Turkey to reduce its economic ties with Russia, particularly in energy. This meeting reflects Erdogan’s ambition to position Turkey as a pivotal player in regional stability amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. The lifting of the F-35 ban could significantly reshape Turkey’s military capabilities and enhance its role within NATO, underscoring the complexities of U.S.-Turkey relations amidst geopolitical tensions.