U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to lift sanctions on Turkey and reconsider F-35 fighter sales during the NATO summit in Ankara on Thursday, directing the State and Treasury departments to begin removing the restrictions.
The move follows reports that Turkey has sold its Russian S-400 air defense systems, potentially to Qatar or the United Arab Emirates, a transaction expected to be formally announced on July 10. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed expectations of returning to the F-35 program, from which Ankara was expelled in 2019 after acquiring the S-400s.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the sale, calling it an extremely sensitive matter. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed concern over Turkey potentially receiving American stealth fighters. Congressional procedures and lobbying opposition remain potential obstacles ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections.