Published：Jul 3, 07:59Last updated：Jul 8, 00:03

Trump and Erdogan Discuss F-35 Program and Sanctions

Jul. 3, 2026 07:59

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump will discuss defense cooperation, including the F-35 program, sanctions, and engine supplies for Turkey's KAAN fighter jet during their meeting in Ankara. The leaders are expected to address regional security issues, including Syria and Ukraine.

Summarized

14News

8Media

Jul. 7, 2026 19:20

Former President Trump is advocating for a deal to include Turkey in the F-35 program, despite a 2020 law barring Turkey due to its reliance on Russian air defense technology. This push could lead to a conflict with Congress. The issue highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Turkey, the U.S., and Russia. The report was published on July 7, 2026. The potential deal raises questions about U.S. foreign policy and defense alliances.

Jul. 8, 2026 00:03

On July 7, 2026, US President Donald Trump announced the lifting of sanctions imposed on Turkey for its purchase of a Russian missile system. During a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Trump praised Turkey's role in mediating with Iran and expressed willingness to reconsider Turkey's participation in the F-35 fighter jet program. The US had previously excluded Turkey from the F-35 development program as a countermeasure. Trump's decision marks a potential thaw in US-Turkey relations, though Turkey's alignment with Russia remains a point of contention.

US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan held a significant meeting in Ankara, focusing on defense cooperation and regional security. The discussions centered on Turkey's potential readmission to the F-35 fighter jet program, the lifting of sanctions imposed on Turkey, and engine supplies for Turkey's KAAN fighter jet. The leaders also addressed regional security issues, including Syria and Ukraine, with Turkey pushing for diplomatic solutions to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.RIA Novosti+2

🛡️ Defense Cooperation

President Trump announced the US would lift sanctions on Turkey, imposed in 2020 over Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. He also signaled a willingness to restore Turkey's access to the F-35 program, despite legal hurdles and potential conflicts with Congress. Turkey has been actively lobbying for readmission to the program for several years.Reuters+2

🌍 Regional Security

The meeting highlighted Turkey's role in mediating regional conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. President Trump praised Turkey's diplomatic efforts and noted both Moscow and Kiev’s commitment to a settlement. The leaders discussed Turkey's initiatives to restart Russia-Ukraine negotiations, emphasizing Ankara's push for peaceful resolutions.RIA Novosti+2

✈️ F-35 Program Reinstatement

President Trump indicated that Turkey’s purchase of S-400 systems from Russia does not hinder F-35 sales. He expressed a desire to reverse the ban on selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey, a move that could reshape US-Turkey relations. However, this decision may face opposition from Congress, which has previously barred Turkey from the program due to its reliance on Russian defense technology.TASS+2

🤝 Geopolitical Implications

The potential reinstatement of Turkey into the F-35 program and the lifting of sanctions mark a significant shift in US-Turkey relations. While this move could strengthen defense ties, it also raises questions about Turkey's alignment with Russia and the broader geopolitical landscape. The discussions underscore ongoing tensions between US foreign policy decisions and legislative restrictions.The Wall Street Journal+2

TurkeyNATO SummitDonald TrumpUnited StatesRecep Tayyip Erdogan