Trump calls both Erdogan and Netanyahu 'terrific', repeats claim that he kept Turkey out of Iran war

In Turkey, around 8 July 2026, the NATO summit in Ankara ended with Trump calling both Erdogan and Netanyahu 'terrific' and repeating his claim that he kept Turkey out of the Iran war. During the summit Trump said he was 'not happy' and that NATO had failed two key tests, and that he believes the ceasefire with Iran is 'over'. He also told Erdogan the Ukraine war 'doesn't affect us'. Later he called the summit very successful, hailed Erdogan as a 'great leader' and signalled openness to selling F-35 jets to Turkey.

Erdogan urged NATO allies to lift restrictions on defence industry cooperation and criticised Mitsotakis's opposition to a possible F-35 sale. NATO chief Rutte said the alliance was reunited after a 'quarrel' with Trump, and Merz said the summit would give NATO new impetus. Erdogan also gave every NATO leader a pistol as a farewell gift, according to The Telegraph and other outlets.