U. S. President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions on Turkey imposed in 2020 due to Turkey’s purchase of Russian defense missiles. This decision is seen as a gesture of goodwill towards Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, whom Trump regards as an ally. The sanctions had previously created tensions between the two countries, especially after Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 system.
In 2020, Washington had sanctioned a major Turkish defense firm and removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program, which Ankara was involved in producing. Trump mentioned that his administration was planning to remove these sanctions and was optimistic about the possible sale of F-35 jets to Turkey, though he did not specify how this would happen due to existing legal challenges.
Trump characterized Turkey as a loyal ally compared to other nations and highlighted the F-35 as the best aircraft available. However, U. S. law currently prohibits the sale of F-35s to Turkey while it continues to own the S-400 system, which poses potential security risks to U. S.-made aircraft. Sources indicated that Trump would support a potential sale, and discussions are ongoing about relocating the Russian missiles to a third country, although no final agreement has been reached.
Trump’s visit marks the first by a U. S. president to Turkey in 11 years, and both leaders expressed mutual admiration during their meeting. The issue of Turkey’s human rights practices has not been a significant concern for the U. S. under Trump’s leadership.
With information from Reuters
