Analysts argue the lack of a meeting with Obama suggests there is certain discomfort with Erdogan's crackdown on free expression in Turkish news media and political opponents. In fact, John Kirby, the spokesperson for the United States Department of State said Monday that there are several differences between the two countries, “freedom of press being one of them”.

Also, AFP reported that Turkish sources sense alienation to some degree between the two states. The most pressing issues being Turkey’s efforts (or lack of them) to deal with IS on one hand, and United States’ support on Turkeys’ fight against PKK militants on the other.

However, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters aboard Air Force One that he expects President Barack Obama will hold an informal meeting with Erdogan, after all.

“Over the course of the visit, the President will have an opportunity at some point to have at least an informal discussion with President Erdogan”. He also added that the lack of a formal sit down should not be interpreted as a snub, noting the large number of foreign leaders due to attend the nuclear summit, suggesting President Obama’s time is limited.

“There obviously is a lot of important work to do with our allies in Turkey … It also includes continuing to intensify our coordination on key aspects of our counter-ISIL strategy, including ramped-up efforts to secure the Turkey-Syria border” Earnest said, bringing the focus back to one of the edgy subjects between Turkey and the United States.

Fatih Oke, spokesman for the Turkish Embassy in Washington said Erdogan arrived Tuesday evening (local time) and hopes to meet with Obama at some point during his visit.