Trump says he will lift sanctions on Turkiye as NATO summit begins

United States President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would lift sanctions on Turkiye and decide on a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara as he began talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Ankara.

United States President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he would lift sanctions on Turkiye and decide on a potential sale of F-35 fighter jets to Ankara as he began talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of a NATO summit in Ankara.

“We’re going to be taking the sanctions off,” Trump told reporters when asked about measures imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. Washington imposed CAATSA sanctions on Turkiye in 2020 after Ankara acquired Russian S-400 air defence systems. The US also removed Turkiye from the F-35 fighter jet programme, a move Ankara called unjust and illegal. Trump was expected to support the possible sale of F-35 jets during his visit, two sources familiar with the matter said, although legal and congressional hurdles remain unresolved. “It’s a decision we’re going to make,” Trump said, adding that he and Erdogan would also discuss trade.

Meanwhile, NATO leaders began unveiling arms deals worth tens of billions of dollars in Turkiye, signalling that they are responding to US calls for greater defence spending. At a defence industry forum in Ankara, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced a series of initiatives, calling for a “revolution” in the alliance’s defence industry. Rutte warned of growing military spending by Russia, as well as challenges from China, North Korea and Iran. “We don’t have the luxury of time. We need capabilities now to ensure we remain ready. The security situation demands it,” Rutte said. “The hum of machinery must become a roar.”

European defence industries have faced criticism for fragmentation and bureaucracy, leaving the region heavily dependent on US weapons supplies. Rutte said European allies had made “staggering” increases in defence spending, driven partly by fears over Russia following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and Trump’s pressure. European NATO members and Canada spent $90 billion more on defence in real terms in 2025 than in 2024, reaching more than $570 billion. NATO members are expected to reaffirm support for Ukraine and pledge €70 billion in assistance for 2026.

A potential breakthrough in US-Turkiye relations could come if Trump allows Ankara to rejoin the F-35 programme. However, European officials said they were prepared for further criticism from Trump and were uncertain about the outcome of the summit. The US has also announced troop withdrawals from Europe and launched a six-month review of its military presence on the continent. As the summit continues, the world watches for signs of progress on defence spending, sanctions relief, and support for Ukraine.