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In a significant development in US-Türkiye relations, President Trump has announced plans to lift the long-standing defence sanctions imposed on the NATO ally under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The move is seen as a major concession to Ankara’s efforts to normalize ties with Washington.
Addressing the recent strengthening of Turkish military strength under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President Trump expressed his admiration for the Turkish military’s capabilities. He commended their efforts to counter terrorism and protect regional security, stating that their efforts were in line with US interests.
“We are reviewing our current stance on defense sanctions against Türkiye,” President Trump said in an official statement released by the White House. “We recognize that the Turkish military has made significant strides in bolstering regional stability, and we believe that this cooperation warrants a reevaluation of our current sanctions policy.”
The CAATSA sanctions were imposed on Türkiye in 2019, following the country’s acquisition of Russian S-400 missile defense systems, which Washington deemed incompatible with NATO standards. The move had also led to the US Congress blocking F-35 fighter jet sales to Türkiye.
In a significant move that was also announced by President Trump, the US plans to reconsider F-35 sales to Türkiye. The F-35 programme was seen as a critical component of NATO’s military modernization efforts in the region. However, the move had been put on hold amidst tensions over the S-400 deal.
“We are open to reviewing and restarting the F-35 sales to Türkiye,” the President said. “This would require Türkiye to resolve the S-400 issue and meet all relevant standards and requirements. We are willing to engage with our Turkish allies in good faith to address these concerns.”
The announcement comes ahead of a crucial visit to Turkey by high-ranking US officials, who are expected to meet with their Turkish counterparts to discuss the lifting of defense sanctions. While the move has been welcomed by Turkish officials, it is also being seen as a major test of Washington’s ability to balance its relationships with key NATO allies while addressing concerns over Russia’s military footprint in the region.
In a statement, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu welcomed the announcement, saying that Ankara was committed to strengthening ties with Washington and working towards a mutually beneficial relationship. “We appreciate President Trump’s willingness to engage with Turkish officials and address outstanding issues,” he said. “We look forward to working closely with the US to achieve a common goal of regional stability and security.”