US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Turkey during a meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the NATO summit. He also indicated support for resuming the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara, despite Israel’s objections.
US President Donald Trump announced during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the NATO summit that we are lifting the sanctions on Turkey.
The US imposed sanctions on Turkey under the CAATSA law in 2020 for purchasing the S-400 air defense system from Russia.
The sanctions imposed in 2020 included the US export license and supply of defense equipment to Turkey’s Presidency of Defense Industries.
The assets of the then head of the SSB, Ismail Demir, and other Turkish defense officials were frozen and visa restrictions were imposed on them. Along with this, certain loans and financial assistance from US financial institutions were also banned.
The US President also almost agreed to the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
Netanyahu’s opposition to the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey
On the other hand, Israel has urged the US to reconsider its decision to re-include Ankara in the F-35 program.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has opposed the possible sale of US F-35 stealth fighter jets to Turkey, saying that this move will upset the balance of power in the Middle East.
In an interview with the American broadcasting company, Netanyahu said that Turkey’s ambitions are aggressive, if it is given F-35 aircraft, it will affect the balance of power in the region and its consequences may be manifested in the form of further aggression.
Netanyahu’s statement came after US President Donald Trump’s announcement, in which he said that he was considering the sale of F-35 aircraft to Turkey.
Although the United States excluded Turkey from the F-35 program in 2019 due to the purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system.
Turkey has long been demanding the re-entry into the F-35 program and the lifting of US sanctions, which have affected relations between the two countries and Turkey’s defense plans.
According to reports, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hopes that his good relationship with US President Donald Trump will make it possible for Turkey to receive the F-35 aircraft.
According to sources, Turkey has already paid for the purchase of these warplanes.
