Trump Proposes Sanctions Relief for Turkey and Iran

During a NATO summit in Ankara, Donald Trump proposed a series of diplomatic concessions to Turkey and Iran, signaling a shift in U.S. foreign policy. Trump indicated he intends to lift sanctions on Turkey and is reopening discussions regarding the country's reentry into the F-35 fighter jet program. This represents a potential reversal of the 2019 decision to expel Turkey from the program following its purchase of Russian S-400 air-defense systems.

Simultaneously, Trump proposed a framework deal with Iran that includes oil-sales waivers, access to frozen assets, a reconstruction fund, and sanctions relief, while postponing nuclear negotiations. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance are currently reviewing the legal requirements for the F-35 sale to ensure compliance with the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act, which requires Turkey to divest from the S-400 system.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly opposed these moves, arguing that providing military and financial leverage to Turkey and Iran would jeopardize Israel's Qualitative Military Edge. Netanyahu specifically cited Turkey's support for Hamas and aggressive regional aspirations as primary security threats. Despite these objections, Turkish officials expressed a continued intention to return to the F-35 program.