Trump Considers Lifting Sanctions and Fighter Jet Sale to Turkey After Erdogan Talks

FIRST ON FOX: President Donald Trump is weighing the possibility of lifting sanctions and resuming the sale of fighter jets to Turkey following a recent conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Trump has shown interest in finalizing the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey. Furthermore, he is open to discussing the sale of F-35 jets, contingent upon an agreement that renders Turkey’s Russian-made S-400 missile system inoperable, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The potential agreement might involve partially dismantling the Russian equipment or relocating it to a U.S.-controlled base in Turkey. This proposal aims to address security concerns regarding the compatibility of U.S. and Russian military technologies.

Legislative Background on F-16 Sales

Last year, Congress approved a $23 billion transaction involving the sale of 40 F-16s along with modernization kits for Turkey’s existing fleet. However, ongoing negotiations between Turkey’s defense ministry and Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the jet, are complicating the process.

Sources indicate that Trump’s team has sought legal and technical analyses to navigate potential violations of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). This legislative measure poses a barrier to U.S. engagement with Turkey, particularly concerning military technology.

Current Diplomatic Developments

Efforts to lift sanctions are occurring in tandem with diplomatic outreach. On Sunday, Trump and Erdogan held a phone conversation during which the Turkish leader emphasized the need to end CAATSA sanctions, finalize the F-16 procurement, and restore Turkey’s involvement in the F-35 program.

The Turkish embassy provided a summary of this call, revealing Erdogan’s request for the U.S. to lift sanctions related to the conflict in Syria. In that context, Erdogan referenced a newly established governing body, HTS, which has been backed by Turkey in its opposition to the Assad regime.

Background on the F-35 Program and Turkey

Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 program occurred because of its acquisition of the S-400 missile system from Russia. U.S. officials raised concerns about the risks posed by having Russian technology in close proximity to advanced American military hardware, such as the F-35.

The White House’s position in 2019 underscored that the F-35 could not coexist with a Russian intelligence-gathering platform, emphasizing potential detrimental effects on Turkey’s participation in NATO.

Turkey’s Military Transactions

In 2017, Turkey brokered a $2.5 billion deal with Russia for the S-400s despite warnings from the U.S. about possible political and economic consequences. The U.S. attempted to dissuade Turkey by offering the Patriot missile system, but Ankara sought sensitive missile technology that the U.S. declined to provide.

Recent developments also show that the United Kingdom proposed selling 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey. This offer may influence Turkey’s decision-making regarding future defense purchases.

Broader Implications on U.S. Foreign Relations

A sale of F-35s to Turkey could spark controversy and heighten concerns among U.S. allies, particularly Israel, and Greece. Turkey’s severed diplomatic ties with Israel over conflicts in Gaza, along with ongoing disputes with Greece surrounding Cyprus, complicate the geopolitical landscape.

Experts regard the F-35 as a symbol of status among allied nations. Jonathan Schanzer, executive director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, noted that the pursuit of F-35 jets requires trust among allies.

Concerns also linger regarding Turkey’s foreign policy, as it has demonstrated support for groups like the Houthis in Yemen and Hamas. This raises alarms about Turkey’s intentions within the global arms market, with some analysts suggesting that Turkey aspires to compete rather than merely participate.

The Balance of Power in NATO

With the second-largest military force within NATO, Turkey holds significant leverage. Experts warn that alienating Turkey may push it further toward alliances with Russia and China in defense matters. Jonathan Bass, an international trade expert, stated that Trump’s approach seems more focused on maintaining a business relationship, recognizing Turkey’s strategic military position.

Schanzer remarked that resolving tensions with Turkey has become a priority for the Trump administration, despite ongoing concerns about Erdogan’s autocratic regime and alleged democratic deficits. The complexity of U.S. engagement with Turkey requires careful consideration.

Strategic Economic Interests

Bass highlighted Turkey’s potential in contributing to critical supply chains for rare earth minerals, emphasizing that partnering with Turkey is vital for U.S. interests. He suggested that Turkey’s mining capabilities could support American operations in Africa.

Bass warned that excluding Erdogan from meaningful dialogue could have negative repercussions, pushing Turkey to seek agency in its own international relationships.

Erdogan’s aspirations represent the interests of a nation of 80 million. Establishing clear lines of engagement will be crucial moving forward in U.S.-Turkey relations.