Trump Lifts Defense Sanctions On Turkey, Opening Door To Possible F-35 Sale
President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States will lift defense sanctions imposed on Turkey, clearing the way for the administration to consider restoring the country’s access to the F-35 fighter jet program after years of restrictions.
The sanctions were originally imposed in 2020 under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act after Turkey purchased Russia’s S-400 air defense system. The move also led to Turkey’s removal from the multinational F-35 program over concerns that the Russian system could compromise sensitive American military technology.
Speaking during the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump said the United States “doesn’t want to sanction friends” and indicated his administration would work with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to strengthen defense and economic ties. The president said discussions on a potential F-35 sale would continue, although he acknowledged that legal and congressional hurdles still remain.
The decision immediately drew criticism from some Republican lawmakers and Israeli officials, who argue that restoring Turkey’s access to advanced stealth fighters could alter the military balance in the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had urged Trump ahead of the summit not to approve the sale, citing Erdogan’s increasingly hostile rhetoric toward Israel and concerns over regional security.
Supporters of the policy change argue that repairing relations with Turkey, which possesses NATO’s second-largest military, will strengthen the alliance at a time of growing global instability. They also contend that bringing Ankara closer to Washington could reduce its reliance on Russia for defense equipment.
While sanctions are set to be lifted, any transfer of F-35 aircraft would still require additional reviews and could face resistance in Congress. Administration officials say discussions with Turkey will continue as both countries seek to rebuild defense cooperation following years of strained relations.