U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States will lift sanctions imposed on Turkey and will consider a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets during talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at a NATO summit in Ankara. Trump tells reporters he is “taking the sanctions off,” describing the move as aligning policy toward partners rather than sanctioning “friends.” The sanctions were imposed in 2020 under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) after Turkey bought Russian missile defense systems.
Trump also indicates the U.S. will make a decision regarding Turkey’s bid to re-enter the F-35 program. He says he would consider the issue and describes the aircraft as a top option. Turkish leaders have sought resolution of Turkey’s F-35 status for years, saying the sanctions and prior exclusion have complicated Turkish defense planning.
Multiple outlets report Trump’s announcement alongside the possibility of fighter-jet sales, while noting that any change related to the F-35 program may still require further steps beyond the president’s statements, given the role of congressional processes.
