Trump promises to lift CAATSA sanctions on Turkey, but F-35 sale remains uncertain as Congress pushes back
At the NATO summit in Ankara, Donald Trump told Recep Tayyip Erdogan he would lift CAATSA sanctions, calling Turkey a loyal ally, but stopped short of a concrete F-35 commitment. Hours later, 18 Democratic lawmakers urged House leaders to block any pro-Turkey move.
A warm reception in Ankara
Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdogan met at the presidential palace in Ankara on the sidelines of the NATO summit. The US president praised Turkey as a "great ally" and spoke of "excellent chemistry" with Erdogan, adding that he would not have attended the summit had it not been hosted in the Turkish capital. The meeting was heavy with symbolism, marking the warmest public tone from a US president toward Ankara in years.
Turkey is also more loyal than many other countries. It's something we are looking at. The F-35 is the best aircraft in the world and we will think about it.
Sanctions relief, but no F-35 timeline
Trump declared it was time to lift the CAATSA sanctions imposed after Turkey bought Russian S-400 air defence systems. "We will lift the sanctions, okay? I don't want to waste time answering that. We will lift these sanctions. The time has come. We don't want to impose and burden our friends with sanctions," he said. However, he avoided announcing any specific decision or timetable for Turkey's return to the F-35 programme. Erdogan expressed optimism, stating that the US had previously promised five F-35s and that "Mr. Trump always keeps his word."
We have received a commitment for the five aircraft. Mr. Trump has given us his own assurance on this matter. I believe this process is developing positively for the future.
Two reliable Turkish sources told Kathimerini that Ankara recognises the difficulties and does not expect an immediate return to the programme. "F-35s remain a distant goal for now," one experienced Turkish colleague noted.
Congressional pushback
Within hours of Trump's remarks, 18 Democratic members of the House of Representatives sent a letter to Majority Leader Steve Scalise and Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, urging them to use every available legislative tool to prevent any administration decision favouring Turkey. The letter underscores that Congress retains the authority to approve defence sales and has long blocked F-35 transfers to Ankara because of the S-400s.
- Greek FM Gerapetritis reportedly asks Turkey to postpone Blue Homeland announcement until after Greek elections.
- Trump and Erdogan meet in Ankara; Trump says he will lift CAATSA sanctions but makes no F-35 commitment.
- 18 Democratic lawmakers send letter to House leaders opposing any pro-Turkey defence move.
- Greek government spokesman highlights Greece's F-35 acquisition versus Turkey's claims.
Athens watches warily
Greek officials are closely monitoring the developments. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said Athens does not underestimate anything and reacts when necessary. He contrasted Greece's position, having secured 20 F-35s with an option for 40 and upgraded its F-16 fleet to Viper standard, with Turkey's situation. "Turkey in 2019 was in the process of securing F-35s and today it is claiming them," Marinakis said. Athens is banking on the US Congress to maintain its block, while also expecting that the supply of American engines for Turkey's indigenous KAAN fighter will proceed.
We do not underestimate anything, that's why we react every time we need to react, and as we should react.
The broader strategic picture
The US is recalibrating its relationship with Turkey amid the war in Ukraine, tensions with Iran, and instability in the Middle East. Washington views Ankara as a strategically valuable partner, and Erdogan is keen to present himself domestically as an equal interlocutor with the United States. The meeting gave him the public recognition he sought, but the F-35 file remains a promise rather than a done deal, with legal and political hurdles still to clear in Congress.
