US President Donald Trump said he is considering selling F‑35 fighter jets to Turkey and plans to lift sanctions imposed over Ankara’s purchase of a Russian air defence system, as he underscored close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
“We have a better relationship with Turkey, and Turkey has been in many ways much more loyal than other countries that we think would be loyal,” Trump said, arguing many believe Ankara should be allowed to purchase the advanced jets despite its acquisition of the Russian S‑400 system.
Trump said the potential sale is “something certainly we consider.”
“It’s a great plane, it’s the best, currently the best plane by far, and certainly something we will consider,” he added.
Trump described Turkey as an “extraordinary” ally, noting that the US had an obligation to meet orders Ankara had already placed for the fighter jets.
US officials told CNN earlier that Trump is expected to signal willingness this week to proceed with sales of the F‑35 aircraft, potentially reversing a ban introduced during his first term and later codified into law, though it remains unclear how he would bypass congressional restrictions.
Trump also indicated he intends to lift US sanctions imposed following Turkey’s procurement of the S‑400 system.
“We’re going to be taking the sanctions off,” he said, adding, “We don’t want to sanction friends.”
Rolling out the turquoise carpet
The comments came as Trump attended a summit in Ankara, where so far, he was the only leader given an elaborate welcome by Erdoğan, including honour guards, military bands and ceremonial salutes – with trumpets and cannons galore – at both the airport and the presidential palace. A turquoise-coloured carpet was also rolled out, matching Turkey’s famous Turquoise Coast.
EPA DOGUKAN KESKINKILIC
Trump said his presence at the summit was driven by his relationship with Erdoğan, who in turn appeared keen to highlight the strength of ties between the two countries.
“We are great friends,” Trump said, praising Turkey as a country to be “reckoned” with and pointing to infrastructure projects he described as impressive, including a building he claimed was named for him.
He added that “the nice part is that because of the relationship that we have, it’s all gone very well.”
The proposed shift in US policy on fighter jet sales and sanctions could mark a significant reset in relations between Washington and Ankara, which have been strained in recent years over defence cooperation and regional security issues.
Source: CNN International
