FM: Türkiye seeks resolution to US CAATSA sanctions, F-35 dispute

Türkiye is working with the United States to resolve outstanding issues related to U.S. sanctions and its exclusion from the F-35 fighter jet programme, Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said following the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government.

Speaking to TRT Haber, Fidan said Türkiye had never wanted sanctions between allies and had been working systematically to remove restrictions imposed by Western partners.

“There have been declared and undeclared sanctions against us for a long time in European capitals and in America,” he said.

Fidan noted that some issues that could be addressed through administrative decisions in the United States had already been resolved, but said the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions and the F-35 issue remained tied to U.S. legislation.

“As long as this will exists in both leaders, we as ministries are taking the appropriate steps to resolve these issues,” Fidan said. “Hopefully, we will reach a result soon.”

The United States imposed sanctions on Türkiye under the CAATSA in December 2020 following Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 Triumph air defence missile systems. The acquisition also led to Türkiye's removal from the U.S.-led F-35 fighter jet programme.

By Sabina Mammadli