07.07.2026 16:20
US President Donald Trump, who arrived in Ankara for the NATO summit, made the statement Turkey was expecting regarding CAATSA sanctions during a joint press conference with President Erdogan at Beştepe. In response to journalists' questions, Trump said, "CAATSA sanctions will be lifted. The time has come. I don't want to burden my friends with sanctions."
US President Donald Trump, who arrived in Ankara for the NATO Leaders Summit, was welcomed at the airport by President Erdoğan. After the ceremony at Beştepe, the two leaders moved to a delegation meeting, having earlier spoken at a press conference.
TRUMP: I DO NOT WANT TO STRANGLE OUR FRIENDS WITH SANCTIONS
At the press conference in Beştepe, Trump gave a clear answer to the press's question about CAATSA sanctions. Trump said, "CAATSA sanctions will be lifted. It's time. I do not want to strangle my friends with sanctions."
Trump stated: "We are working with Marco Rubio and all my friends. We do not want to impose sanctions on our friends. There are many people to sanction."
The F-35 issue is our decision to make. We have a very good relationship. Everyone says why not do this. Turkey is also loyal from most countries. It's a matter under consideration. The F35 is the world's best plane, and we will consider it."
WHAT ARE CAATSA SANCTIONS?
The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which entered into force on August 2, 2017, provides for sanctions against Iran, Russia, and North Korea, which the US deems threats to its national security. The US, due to Turkey's purchase of the S-400 air defense system from Russia, decided to impose sanctions on Ankara, removed it from the F-35 project, and subjected it to CAATSA sanctions.
Trump prevented the immediate application of CAATSA sanctions after Turkey purchased the S-400s, but due to pressure ahead of the presidential elections, he made this decision in December 2020. The CAATSA sanctions are still in effect.
Article 231 of the law stipulates "the imposition of sanctions on persons and entities that engage in significant transactions with the defense or intelligence sectors of the Russian Federation, or persons and entities acting on their behalf." This article is the justification for imposing sanctions on Turkey due to the S-400 defense system purchased from Russia.