US President Donald Trump has said he will soon decide whether to allow the sale of Turkey F-35 jets despite a congressional ban, while praising Ankara as a loyal ally and signalling plans to lift sanctions linked to its purchase of a Russian air defence system.
Trump praises Turkey’s alliance
Speaking during his visit to Turkey for the NATO summit, Trump said the United States had a strong relationship with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and described Turkey as more loyal than some other countries that receive American military equipment.
“We have a better relationship with Turkey, and Turkey has been in many ways much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal,” Trump said.
He described the F-35 as “the best plane by far” and said selling the aircraft to Turkey was something Washington would consider.
F-35 ban linked to Russian S-400 purchase
Turkey was removed from the F-35 programme after purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defence system, a move that led to US sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
US officials have said Trump is expected to indicate this week that he is willing to reverse the previous ban, although it remains unclear how the administration would address the congressional restrictions.
Trump said Turkey had been an “extraordinary” ally and argued that Washington should fulfil existing military equipment commitments.
Sanctions could be lifted soon
When asked about sanctions imposed over Turkey’s purchase of the Russian system, Trump said they would be removed soon.
“We’re going to be taking the sanctions off,” he said, adding that the US did not want to sanction its friends.
Erdoğan welcomed Trump in Ankara with a high-profile diplomatic reception, including military honours and ceremonies at the airport and the Beştepe Presidential Palace.
Israel raises concerns over possible deal
The potential sale of F-35 jets to Turkey has raised concerns in Israel, which has maintained close defence ties with the United States while having increasingly tense relations with Ankara.
Israeli officials have warned that providing advanced fighter jets to Turkey could affect Israel’s military advantage in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly discussed the issue with Trump, arguing that the sale could change the regional balance of power.
However, officials have indicated that even if approved, any F-35 delivery would likely take considerable time to complete.
Also read: Erdogan welcomes Trump in Ankara ahead of NATO summit
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