President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is willing to consider selling F-35 fighter jets to Turkey despite existing U.S. sanctions [1, 3].
The move signals a potential shift in U.S. defense policy toward a key NATO ally that has faced restrictions over its military procurement choices. Reversing these sanctions would fundamentally alter the strategic balance of aircraft distribution within the alliance.
Trump made the comments during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara on July 7, 2026 [2, 4]. The meeting took place ahead of the upcoming NATO summit [2].
During the discussion, Trump questioned the logic of maintaining the current restrictions on the sale of the advanced stealth fighters. "Why wouldn't we do that?" Trump said [5]. He said the bilateral ties between the two nations are strong, stating, "We have a very good relationship" [5].
Reports on the status of the sanctions vary. Some sources indicate Trump intends to lift the sanctions on Turkey [1], while other reports suggest he is signaling a willingness to do so without a definitive commitment [2]. Similarly, while some reports state the U.S. is considering the sale [3], others suggest the president is merely signaling openness to the possibility during the summit [2].
The proposal has already met with opposition from other regional partners. Benjamin Netanyahu said that Ankara should not receive the F-35 jets [1].
Trump's openness to the sale comes as the U.S. navigates complex security arrangements in the region. The F-35 program has previously been a point of contention between Washington and Ankara, primarily due to Turkey's acquisition of Russian military hardware.
“"Why wouldn't we do that?"”
This potential policy reversal suggests a prioritization of personal diplomacy and bilateral relations over the established sanctions framework. If the U.S. proceeds with the sale, it may ease tensions with Turkey but could create friction with other NATO allies and regional partners who view the transfer of high-end stealth technology to Ankara as a strategic risk.
