Trump considers lifting Türkiye sanctions, resuming F-35 sales

President Donald Trump is considering lifting sanctions on Türkiye and resuming fighter jet sales following a recent phone call with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Trump expressed openness to finalizing the sale of F-16s and potentially the F-35s, contingent upon an agreement that would render Türkiye's Russian S-400 defense systems inoperable. Discussions include options for partially dismantling or relocating the S-400s to a U.S.-controlled base. Congress has already approved a $23 billion deal for F-16s and modernization kits for Türkiye's existing fleet, although negotiations are ongoing. Erdogan emphasized the need to end CAATSA sanctions to enhance defense cooperation and re-enter the F-35 program. A visit from Erdogan to the White House is anticipated to further solidify these discussions.