Surprise move from Trump to Turkey: Will sanctions be lifted?
US-based Fox News has claimed that the Trump administration is evaluating the lifting of sanctions on Turkey and the resumption of F-35 sales following a recent call between Trump and Erdoğan. It is alleged that the White House is working on new formulas regarding the S-400 issue.
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Following a phone call between US President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan last Sunday, a significant development has occurred on the Turkey-US front. Fox News, a channel known for its proximity to Trump in the US, claimed that after the call, the Trump administration is considering lifting sanctions on Turkey and re-evaluating the sale of F-35 fighter jets.
Fox News reported the news citing two high-level sources. According to the claim, the Trump administration will not only accelerate the F-16 sales process but will also bring the long-suspended F-35 sale back to the agenda.
S-400 CONDITION ON THE TABLE
Another detail that stands out in the report concerns Turkey's Russian-made S-400 air defense system. According to sources speaking to Fox News, discussions are underway between Ankara and Washington on formulas such as deactivating the S-400 system or moving it to another base, such as Incirlik Air Base. It is stated that if these conditions are met, the White House could give the green light to the F-35 sale.
SEARCH FOR A LEGAL EXIT FOR CAATSA SANCTIONS
The report also stated that the Trump team is exploring legal and technical avenues to lift the sanctions imposed on Turkey under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). The Trump administration has instructed lawyers to prepare analyses that would allow for a change in the official stance that Turkey has violated this law.
F-16 SALES PROCESS CONTINUES
On the other hand, it was reported that negotiations are continuing on the 23 billion dollar package, which includes the sale of 40 F-16 fighter jets approved by the US Congress last year and modernization kits for the existing F-16 fleet. It was stated that negotiations between the Turkish Ministry of Defense and Lockheed Martin are ongoing, but these new developments could accelerate the process.
Another notable move following the Trump-Erdoğan call came in the energy sector. The US has extended the sanctions exemption it granted to Gazprombank, which enables Turkey to purchase natural gas from Russia, until May.