Trump Signals End to US Sanctions on Turkey, F-35 Hopes Revive

New Delhi, July 9, 2026 The United States may soon take a major step toward restoring defense ties with Turkey, as President Donald Trump announced plans to lift sanctions imposed in 2020. The restrictions were introduced after Turkey purchased the Russian-made S-400 air defense system. The development has drawn attention beyond NATO, particularly because Turkey is regarded as a close ally of Pakistan. During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan used Turkish-made drones in attacks against India, which were successfully intercepted and countered by Indian forces. Speaking to reporters in Ankara alongside Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the NATO Summit, Trump said, **"We’re going to lift the sanctions."** When asked whether Turkey would be allowed to purchase US-made F-35 fighter jets, he stopped short of making a commitment. Instead, Trump said the decision would be taken in due course and described the F-35 as the best fighter jet ever built. Although the Trump administration is preparing to move forward, any decision to remove the sanctions is expected to face congressional review, allowing lawmakers to raise objections. The sanctions are linked to a 2017 US law that authorizes penalties on countries involved in significant defense or intelligence transactions with Russia. In addition, the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act prohibits the transfer of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. Last month, US Vice President JD Vance said Pentagon officials under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were reviewing whether Turkey had met the legal requirements necessary to qualify for the F-35 program. Meanwhile, Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, warned that efforts to lift the sanctions could face resistance in Congress. He said, "I'm ready for it. There may be some opposition in Congress. Turkey's relationship with Israel isn't very helpful in Congress." Standing beside Trump, President Erdoğan expressed optimism about the future of the deal, saying, “We secured a commitment for five aircraft, and President Trump also made a promise on this issue.” He added, “President Trump always stands by his word. I believe a positive decision will be made regarding the F-35 program.” The proposed move now sets the stage for a crucial debate in Washington over the future of US-Turkey defense cooperation.