Trump Announces Possible Lift of Sanctions on Turkey, F-35 Sales

During a meeting in Ankara, United States President Donald Trump announced his intention to lift sanctions imposed on Turkey and indicated a possible resumption of F-35 fighter jet sales. This statement was made on Tuesday as Trump met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a NATO leaders’ summit.

The announcement marks a significant pivot in US policy towards Turkey, especially after the country was removed from the F-35 programme following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defence systems in 2019. The sanctions were imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

“We’re going to be taking the sanctions off,” Trump stated to reporters, sitting alongside Erdogan. He added that a decision on the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey would be forthcoming. “That’s a decision we’re going to make… it’s a great plane, the best plane by far and it’s certainly something we will consider,” Trump said.

However, any potential re-involvement of Turkey in the F-35 programme must navigate a 2020 law which requires that the US administration affirm Turkey no longer operates the Russian systems. The sanctions previously imposed specifically targeted Turkey’s Defence Industries Presidency, implementing bans on US export licenses alongside financial and banking restrictions.

In response, Erdogan expressed hope for a “favourable decision” regarding the F-35s, noting that Turkey had been promised five jets previously. The discussions occur amid increasing pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has urged the US not to proceed with F-35 sales to Turkey, claiming such a move could upset the power balance in the Middle East.

Netanyahu articulated concerns during a recent interview, stating that the sale could threaten Israel’s air superiority, which is underpinned both by Israeli capabilities and US strategic interests in the region.

The relationship between Turkey and Israel has seen significant deterioration in recent years, despite increased trade ties. Turkey has publicly condemned Israeli military operations in the Palestinian Gaza Strip, contributing to strained diplomatic relations.

The US Congress’s reaction to a reversal on F-35 sales remains uncertain. However, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who has consistently supported Israel, stated he is open to the proposal and believes a solution could be achieved despite potential pushback within Congress.