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Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated work is underway with the United States to lift CAATSA sanctions imposed on Ankara before the U.S. midterm elections in November, adding that Israel opposed the potential move because it did not want regional countries obtaining "certain military capabilities."
"Work is underway to obtain a result on CAATSA before the midterms. We have taken the political steps. We'll see," Fidan said during a Ramadan fast-breaking dinner on Tuesday with members of Turkish media, according to a transcript of his comments released Tuesday.
Washington imposed CAATSA sanctions on fellow NATO member Türkiye in 2020 over its acquisition of Russia's S-400 missile defense system.
The United States also removed Ankara from the F-35 fighter jet program in 2019 during U.S. President Donald Trump's first term, claiming the Russian system would endanger the jets. Türkiye called the suspension "unjust and illegal."
The two sides are seeking a workaround to lift sanctions and allow Ankara to purchase the F-35s. Little progress has been made, even though Trump has good ties with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, raising hopes in Ankara that a solution can be found this year.
Türkiye has said repeatedly that there is no conflict between the S-400 and F-35 systems and proposed a commission to study the issue.
Ankara maintains it fulfilled its obligations on the F-35s and that the suspension broke the rules, arguing that ending the impasse would strengthen not only Türkiye but also NATO.
Asked if Israel, which Türkiye has fiercely criticized over its assault on Gaza, opposed the U.S. lifting the sanctions, Fidan stated Israel did not want regional countries to obtain certain capabilities.
"That is the mode they are in now. Let's see, these battles will continue. Everyone will play the cards in their hands somehow," Fidan stated.
Fidan also commented on the evolving European security landscape, noting that European nations had advanced their own defense industry initiatives, such as SAFE, to become more independent from American defense systems.
However, he said there was no comprehensive plan for European forces to operate outside the NATO framework without NATO troops.
"We are closely following the discussions. We and our diplomats are involved where necessary," Fidan stated.
He reiterated Erdogan's position: "If a new security alliance is established in our region, we are ready to join it."
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