19.07.2026 01:10
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Levent Gümrükçü made critical statements regarding Turkey-US relations at a conference organized by the Atlantic Council in Washington. Stating that the resolution of the CAATSA sanctions and the F-35 crisis between the two countries has become the top priority with the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, Gümrükçü indicated that the joint political and military working group established is considering many different options.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Levent Gümrükçü spoke at a conference organized by the Atlantic Council in Washington. Referring to the CAATSA sanctions and the F-35 crisis between Turkey and the USA, Gümrükçü stated that they are much closer to resolving the issues between the two countries this time.
"SOLUTION BECAME A PRIORITY WITH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION"
Stating that resolving the dispute has become one of the top priorities with US President Donald Trump taking office, Gümrükçü announced that a joint political and military working group has been established in this direction. The Ambassador, who said that many different formulas are being worked on to meet the legal obligations on the US side and Turkey's political and economic sensitivities, said, "This time we really feel closer. We think we can resolve this issue and leave this problem behind."
"WE HAVE FULL TRUST IN THE US ADMINISTRATION FOR THE FIRST TIME"
Stating that he cannot yet give details about the agreement's details or timeline, Gümrükçü made the following striking statements:
"For the first time, actually for the first time in the last 10 to 15 years, we have full trust that the US administration will fulfill its part of the obligations in the agreement once we reach one."
Gümrükçü also emphasized that this ongoing process is not limited to Turkey's return to the F-35 program but is part of a broader initiative aimed at establishing a much deeper defense industry cooperation between the two countries.
"THE S-400 PURCHASE WAS TO FILL AN IMMEDIATE GAP"
Clarifying Turkey's rationale for purchasing the S-400 systems from Russia, Gümrükçü stated that an urgent air defense need arose due to the inability to procure alternative systems from allies. Gümrükçü said, "We had to purchase this S-400 to fill an immediate gap. However, we immediately told our allies that this was a one-time purchase."
REACTION TO GREEK OPPOSITION IN CONGRESS
Describing objections from some members of the US Congress and Greece to the process as "unnecessary political posturing," Gümrükçü emphasized alliance relations. Reminding that Turkey never interfered with Greece's purchase of defense equipment from the US and European allies, the Ambassador expressed his reaction by saying, "Since we are in the same alliance, we have never commented on this; we can only be pleased that our allies are strengthening their own defense capabilities."