President Donald Trump said Tuesday the United States will lift sanctions on Turkey imposed over its 2019 purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems, while signaling he would consider allowing Ankara back into the F-35 fighter jet program.
Speaking alongside Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan at the presidential compound in Ankara ahead of a NATO summit, Trump said officials were working on lifting the sanctions, which were imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act after Turkey’s S-400 purchase led to its removal from the F-35 program and the cancellation of its jet orders. He said Cabinet officials were finalizing the details.
On the fighter jets, Trump called Turkey “much more loyal” than some traditional US allies and said a decision on resuming F-35 sales was something the administration would consider, though he stopped short of confirming it. Erdogan said he had already received a commitment on five aircraft and personal assurances from Trump, adding the two leaders would also discuss engines for Turkey’s domestically built KAAN fighter jet.
The announcement removes a long-standing irritant in US-Turkey relations, though legal and procedural hurdles remain before Ankara could be fully reinstated in the F-35 program. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had urged Washington against the jet sales, citing Erdogan’s rhetoric toward Israel.
Trump also used the appearance to voice frustration with other NATO members, saying Italy, Germany and France had declined to join the US and Israel in this year’s military campaign against Iran. He said he considered skipping the summit but attended because it was hosted by Erdogan, whom he called a strong leader. Trump added he expects Russia and Ukraine both want to reach a settlement in their war and hopes for a resolution soon.
