Trump Announces Lifting Sanctions on Turkey and Discusses F-35 Fighter Jets

On Tuesday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States will lift sanctions imposed on Turkey in 2020 due to its acquisition of Russian air defense systems, according to Reuters.

Trump also indicated his readiness to sell F-35 fighter jets to Ankara, a move expected to face strong opposition in the U.S. Congress.

During the first visit by a U.S. president to Turkey in 11 years, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan welcomed Trump at the airport with a formal ceremony, including a procession escorted by Turkish soldiers on horseback leading to the presidential palace.

Speaking to journalists at the Turkish presidential palace, Trump reiterated his praise for Erdoğan, stating that he feels "in sync" with him and that relations with Ankara are experiencing their best period ever.

This commendation marks a significant shift in relations, which had been stagnant during the tenure of former U.S. President Joe Biden.

Despite improving ties between Washington and Ankara, Turkey's 2019 procurement of the Russian S-400 air defense system, the 2020 sanctions imposed on a major Turkish defense company, and Turkey's exclusion from the F-35 stealth fighter program have remained sharp points of contention.

Resolving these issues is expected to be a key factor in easing tensions between the two countries, although current U.S. law prohibits sales of the aircraft.

Before his meeting with Erdoğan during a visit to Turkey for the NATO summit, Trump told reporters that he "will lift the sanctions."

He added, "The time has come. We do not want to punish friends," noting that the U.S. Secretary of State and Treasury Secretary are working on resolving the matter.

When asked if he was concerned about Ankara retaining the Russian S-400 air defense system, Trump responded negatively.

He continued, "I have no concerns about anything related to Turkey... I assure you the relationship with Turkey is now better than ever."

Trump also expressed optimism about the potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, although he did not specify how such a deal would proceed given legal obstacles and Congressional objections.

He stated, "Turkey, in many ways, has been much more loyal than other countries we thought were faithful... This plane is great... it is currently by far the best. We will definitely consider it."

Erdoğan, in turn, expressed hope that Turkey's desire to purchase American F-35 fighter jets will be fulfilled.

He said, "We have previously discussed this matter with the United States and received promises for five aircraft... I know Mr. Trump always keeps his promises."

Earlier, two informed sources told Reuters that Trump is expected to support a potential deal to sell F-35 jets to Turkey.

The sources added that one of the solutions gaining momentum in recent weeks involves transferring the Russian system to a third country, although no agreement has been reached on this yet.

It remains unclear whether Russia will accept such an arrangement, as it requires compliance with end-user commitments in its arms sales.