Turkey’s top diplomat revealed that his nation is actively negotiating with Washington to eliminate penalties imposed four years ago, hoping to reach an agreement before America’s November midterm elections.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan disclosed that discussions are ongoing to resolve the CAATSA sanctions that the United States placed on Turkey in 2020. These penalties were triggered when Turkey, despite being a NATO ally, decided to purchase Russia’s S-400 missile defense systems.
The sanctions also resulted in Turkey’s exclusion from the F-35 fighter aircraft program, a decision that Turkish officials have repeatedly denounced as unfair and unlawful.
Both nations are now exploring solutions that would eliminate the sanctions and restore Turkey’s ability to purchase the advanced fighter jets. Despite the strong relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, which has raised Turkish expectations for a breakthrough this year, meaningful progress has remained limited.
During a Tuesday evening meal breaking the Ramadan fast with Turkish journalists, Fidan addressed questions about Israel’s stance on potentially lifting the sanctions. Turkey has been highly critical of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
“That is the mode they are in now. Let’s see, these battles will continue. Everyone will play the cards in their hands somehow,” Fidan stated, according to Wednesday’s official transcript.
The Foreign Minister confirmed active efforts to resolve the CAATSA issue before the midterm elections, saying: “Work is underway to obtain a result on CAATSA before the midterms. We have taken the political steps. We’ll see.”
These developments occur amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other, with Turkey sharing a border with Iran. Ankara has publicly criticized the American and Israeli military actions against Tehran.
