**Turkey Urges US to Lift Sanctions and Reinstate F-35 Participation**
Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on the United States to remove the sanctions imposed on its defense industry in 2020 and to reintegrate Turkey into the multinational F-35 program, which is responsible for developing the next generation of military jets. In a recent phone call with US President Donald Trump, Erdogan expressed his hope for a change in the US stance that would take into account Turkey’s national security concerns.
Since 2020, Turkey has been under the CAATSA sanctions following its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system. This purchase also led to Turkey’s expulsion from the F-35 program due to US security apprehensions. Additionally, Erdogan urged Trump to expedite the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.
Erdogan’s appeal for a renewed partnership with the US aligns with Turkey’s broader strategy to recalibrate its foreign policy, aiming to strengthen ties with Western allies while balancing its interests with Russia. Under President Trump, US foreign policy has shifted, emphasizing increased defense spending among European allies and fostering closer relations with Russia.
Having faced a lack of engagement from the previous US administration, Erdogan is now looking to leverage the evolving dynamics in Washington. During their conversation, Erdogan also expressed support for Trump’s mediation efforts in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The two leaders discussed the situation in Syria, where Erdogan highlighted the necessity of lifting sanctions and restoring stability, with a key focus on the return of refugees to Syria.
**FAQ:**
*What sanctions has Turkey faced and why?*
Turkey has been under CAATSA sanctions since 2020 due to its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, which raised US security concerns.
**Meta Description:**
Turkey’s President Erdogan calls for the US to lift sanctions and reinstate Turkey in the F-35 program. Discover the implications for US-Turkey relations.
