Story perspectives

Trump Lifts Sanctions, Mulls F-35 Sale Despite S-400

7/9/2026

Left

Trump Lifts Sanctions

Turkey’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 system and its crackdown on critics have heightened regional tension.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced at the summit in Ankara that Washington will lift sanctions on Turkey and assess F-35 sales.
Human-rights groups and U.S. lawmakers cite Turkey’s crackdown as a reason to block F-35 sales.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the F-35 sale could upset regional air-superiority.

Right

Trump Lifts Sanctions

President Donald Trump praised his personal chemistry with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling Turkey a loyal friend.
At summit in Ankara, President Donald Trump announced United States will lift CAATSA sanctions on Turkey and weigh F-35 sales.
Trump told reporters the United States does not sanction friends, citing Turkey’s loyalty as justification.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, War Secretary Pete Hegseth draft a plan.

History

Historical Context

Turkey’s July 1974 invasion of northern Cyprus after a Greek-backed coup led the United States to impose an arms embargo on Turkey. President Jimmy Carter lifted the embargo in 1978, ending a three-year pause in U.S. military sales. The precedent informs the 2024 Ankara summit decision to lift CAATSA sanctions and consider F-35 sales.

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Trump Lifts Sanctions

Turkey’s purchase of Russia’s S-400 system and its crackdown on critics have heightened regional tension.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced at the summit in Ankara that Washington will lift sanctions on Turkey and assess F-35 sales.
Human-rights groups and U.S. lawmakers cite Turkey’s crackdown as a reason to block F-35 sales.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the F-35 sale could upset regional air-superiority.

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