ANKARA- US President Donald Trump said Washington will remove the sanctions imposed on Turkey in 2020 over Ankara’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system. He spoke in the Turkish capital during the first visit by a sitting US president to the country in 11 years.
Trump also signaled willingness to sell F-35 stealth fighter jets to the NATO ally, a step that would remove a major long-standing irritant between the two governments. Turkey was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 and sanctioned the following year under a US law targeting business with Russia’s defense sector.
US and Turkey Look to Reset Defence Relations
US President Donald Trump announced that Washington will remove sanctions imposed in 2020 following Turkey’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defence system.
The move represents a major policy shift that could help resolve one of the biggest disputes between the United States and Turkey.
Trump made the announcement before meeting Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during a NATO summit in Turkey.
He said the US Secretary of State and the Treasury Secretary are working on the process of lifting the sanctions.
The proposed decision is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between the 2 NATO allies. Trump has maintained a close relationship with Erdogan, and the removal of sanctions could eliminate a long-standing obstacle in defence cooperation.
Why the US Imposed Sanctions
Turkey purchased the Russian S-400 missile defence system in 2019 despite repeated objections from Washington.
US officials argued that operating the Russian system alongside the American-built F-35 fighter jet could expose sensitive military technology and create security risks.
In response, the United States imposed sanctions in 2020 on a major Turkish defence company under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
Washington also removed Turkey from the multinational F-35 fighter jet programme, even though Ankara had participated as both a customer and a production partner.
Trump Signals Support for F-35 Fighter Sales
Trump also expressed support for a possible sale of F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey. Speaking to reporters, he said, “We’re going to be taking the sanctions off.”
He also praised Turkey’s role as an ally, saying the country had been “much more loyal” than others and described the F-35 as the best fighter aircraft currently available. Trump added that a future sale is something the United States will consider.
Despite Trump’s comments, the transaction still faces legal barriers. US Congress passed legislation that prohibits the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey as long as the country continues to possess the Russian S-400 missile system.
Under current US law, Turkey cannot operate or retain the S-400 and at the same time rejoin the F-35 programme.
Possible Path to Resolve Dispute
Reuters reported that two sources familiar with the discussions said Trump was expected to support a potential F-35 sale to Turkey.
One proposal receiving increased attention is the transfer of the Russian S-400 system to a third country.
The discussions remain ongoing, and no agreement has been reached. The sources, who requested anonymity because the matter is sensitive, said the proposal could help remove the legal and security concerns surrounding Turkey’s participation in the F-35 programme.
However, it remains unclear whether Russia would approve such a transfer because its defence export agreements include end-user obligations that restrict where military equipment can be moved after delivery.
Trump Visits Turkey After 11 Years
Trump’s visit marked the first visit by a sitting US president to Turkey in 11 years. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed him with a state ceremony, and both leaders publicly praised their relationship.
The latest announcement reflects improving political ties between Washington and Ankara after years of disagreements over defence cooperation.
The Trump administration has also taken a different approach to bilateral relations compared with previous years.
During Trump’s presidency, Turkey’s human rights record did not become a major point of disagreement between Washington and Ankara.
What Happens Next
The announcement marks an important step towards improving US-Turkey defence relations, but the proposed policy changes have not yet taken effect.
Any future sale of F-35 fighter jets will depend on legal approval in the United States and a resolution of the S-400 issue.
Until those conditions are addressed, Turkey remains outside the F-35 programme despite Trump’s willingness to consider renewed defence cooperation.
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