07.07.2026 22:40
After US President Donald Trump announced that he would lift CAATSA sanctions on Turkey, a long-awaited question was answered. It has been learned that the approval process of the US Congress is not required for the removal of the sanctions, and Trump's approval alone would suffice. The lifting of CAATSA sanctions will also pave the way for the sale of F-35s.
US President Donald Trump arrived in Ankara for the NATO Leaders Summit. Trump was welcomed with an official ceremony by President Erdoğan. The two leaders made statements to journalists at a press conference at the Presidential Complex. In response to a journalist's question, Trump stated that the CAATSA sanctions imposed on Turkey for many years would be lifted.
SANCTIONS TO BE LIFTED WITH TRUMP'S APPROVAL
With Trump's announcement, how the process of lifting the sanctions will unfold became a matter of curiosity. It was learned that initially, the approval process of the US Congress is not required for the sanctions to be lifted, and only Trump is asked to declare the three elements under the law to complete the process.
WITH SANCTIONS LIFTED, F-35 PROCESS WILL ALSO ACCELERATE
According to US laws, the condition for lifting sanctions is that the S-400s are not under the control of the relevant country. In this context, Trump will need to write a letter to Congress. In the letter, Trump will be expected to explain that the S-400s are not operated in the relevant country and that they no longer possess them. After this letter, the CAATSA sanctions can be lifted without waiting for Congress approval.
With the lifting of CAATSA sanctions, the same rules applying for Turkey's return to the F-35 program will provide a double advantage for Ankara. The lifting of sanctions will also pave the way for Turkey's return to the F-35 program.
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 members' 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 plenty of people to sanction.
The F-35 issue is our decision. We have a very good relationship. Everyone says why not do it. Turkey is also loyal from most countries. It is a subject we are considering. The F35 is the best plane in the world, and we will think about it."
WHAT ARE CAATSA SANCTIONS?
The Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which entered into force on August 2, 2017, envisages 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 implementation of CAATSA sanctions after Turkey purchased the S-400s, but due to pressure before the presidential elections, he made this decision in December 2020. The CAATSA sanctions are still in effect.
Article 231 of the law stipulates "imposing sanctions on persons and institutions that engage in significant transactions with the defense or intelligence sectors of the Russian Federation, or persons and institutions acting on their behalf." This article is the justification for imposing sanctions on Turkey due to the S-400 defense system purchased from Russia.