Trump Considers Selling F-35 Jets to Turkey, Defying Netanyahu's Objections

US President Donald Trump has stated that he will lift sanctions against Turkey and is considering the sale of F-35 fighter jets to the country. This statement was made after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested that the US refrain from selling F-35s to Ankara.

During a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the NATO Summit in Ankara on Tuesday (7/7/2026), Trump was questioned by the media regarding the imposition of sanctions on Turkey under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

These sanctions are related to Turkey’s decision to purchase the S-400 air defence system from Russia in 2019. Furthermore, Washington removed Turkey from the F-35 programme.

“We will lift those sanctions,” Trump said in response to media questions regarding the sanctions against Turkey under CAATSA, as reported by Al Jazeera.

In the presence of Erdogan, Trump then stated that he would consider the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. “That is a decision we will make. It is a great aircraft, the best aircraft so far, and it is certainly something we will consider,” said Trump.