12.07.2026 14:51
The final statements of US Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away at the age of 71, regarding Turkey have come back to the forefront. Graham, who previously advocated for sanctions against Turkey and its removal from the F-35 program, described Ankara as a "tremendous ally" and an "unshakeable pillar" of NATO during the NATO Summit. Graham stated that he believed a rational solution could be found to resume the delivery of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey.
The statements made by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away at the age of 71 due to a sudden illness, regarding Turkey have drawn attention.
Graham, one of the most influential figures in the Republican Party on foreign policy and defense, had long maintained a tough stance toward Ankara over Turkey's Syria policy and its purchase of S-400 air defense systems from Russia.
However, speaking during the NATO Summit held in Ankara days before his death, Graham notably delivered more positive messages regarding Turkey and F-35 fighter jets.
HE HAD ADVOCATED FOR SANCTIONS AGAINST TURKEY
Graham was among the leading figures calling for heavy sanctions against Ankara, particularly after Turkey launched a military operation in northern Syria in 2019.
Along with Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, Graham drafted a comprehensive sanctions bill against Turkey and argued in his statements at the time that Ankara should face a "heavy price."
Graham also opposed Turkey's purchase of the S-400 air defense system from Russia and was among the members of Congress who supported Turkey's removal from the F-35 program.
HIS FINAL WORDS SURPRISED
During the NATO Summit held in Ankara in July 2026, Graham stated that he was not entirely opposed to the resumption of F-35 fighter jet deliveries to Turkey.
Noting that Turkey's relations with Israel might lead to some objections in Congress, Graham said that despite this, a solution could be found to overcome legal and political obstacles.
Graham's words regarding Turkey were as follows:
"Turkey is a tremendous ally and an unshakable pillar of NATO. I wholeheartedly believe that a rational solution can be found to restore the F-35 deliveries that Turkey deserves and overcome the legal hurdles."
TRUMP HAD ALSO GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT FOR F-35S
Graham's statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced at the NATO Summit that he would lift CAATSA sanctions against Turkey and evaluate the sale of F-35s.
While Trump's remarks strengthened the possibility of Turkey rejoining the F-35 program from which it was removed in 2019, how legal obstacles in the U.S. Congress would be overcome became a topic of debate.
ISRAEL OPPOSED THE F-35 SALE
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu opposed the provision of F-35s to Turkey, arguing that such a step could alter the military balance of power in the Middle East.
Despite Netanyahu's objections, Graham, known as one of Israel's strongest supporters, leaving the door open for the sale of F-35s to Turkey drew attention.
IT WAS ONE OF HIS FINAL DIPLOMATIC MESSAGES BEFORE HIS DEATH
Graham's statement on Turkey was one of the last significant foreign policy messages he delivered before his death. Having represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2003, Graham was known as one of Donald Trump's closest political allies, a strong supporter of Israel and Ukraine, and a leading advocate of tough policies against Iran. Shortly before his death, Graham also met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv.