Historic Summit at Beştepe from Trump: CAATSA Sanctions Lifted, F-35 Process Reactivated

The visit of US President Donald Trump to Türkiye is considered an extremely critical threshold for the future of relations between the two NATO allies. Meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at Beştepe, Trump emphasized that there is a very strong dialogue and chemistry between the two countries at a joint press conference. During the discussions, a wide range of topics from the defense industry to regional crises were addressed. The messages regarding the lifting of sanctions and the re-establishment of military cooperation, in particular, were closely followed by the international public. This high-level summit signaled that a new page could be opened not only for Türkiye-US relations but also for global diplomatic balances.

The most striking and concrete outcome of the summit was the clear statement regarding the lifting of CAATSA sanctions imposed by the US on Türkiye. Stating that they do not want to suffocate a friendly country with sanctions, President Trump expressed that this process must now come to an end and that the time has come. This statement has the potential to put an end to defense system procurements and their sanctions, which have been a serious source of tension between the two countries for many years. The lifting of the sanctions means alleviating Türkiye's foreign dependency problems in its defense industry and strengthening its current status within NATO. This step by the US administration is interpreted as a major turning point in re-establishing the spirit of alliance.

Cooperation in the defense industry constituted one of the most important items on the agenda of the Erdoğan and Trump meeting. While promising messages were given regarding the F-35 fighter jet program, it was reported that Erdoğan received a promise from Trump for the delivery of 5 F-35 aircraft to Türkiye. President Trump also stated that they would reassess the project regarding the F-35s, which he described as the best aircraft in the world. Additionally, the issue of US-origin engines for Türkiye's indigenous and national fighter jet KAAN was put on the table. While Trump noted that it is their obligation to assist countries buying aircraft from the US with engine maintenance, Erdoğan shared that they expect a groundbreaking announcement from Trump on this matter.

The two leaders did not only discuss bilateral relations but also thoroughly addressed regions of active conflict and crisis that threaten global peace. It was emphasized that mediation efforts regarding the Russia-Ukraine war are ongoing and that the two leaders will consult each other during this process. Furthermore, Türkiye's efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and the US, and to establish a permanent peace in Gaza, stood out. Claiming that he stopped 8 different wars in the past, President Trump stated that they are determined to end the Russia-Ukraine war as well. Criticizing the attitudes of some European NATO allies during times of crisis, Trump also underscored the strategic importance of strong leaders like Türkiye and Erdoğan within the alliance.

This historic meeting held at Beştepe attracted great attention not only for its content but also in terms of protocol and ceremonial arrangements. The official ceremony, where Erdoğan welcomed Trump with the Turkish greeting 'Merhaba Asker' (Hello Soldier), witnessed magnificent moments with the participation of cavalry units and Janissary soldiers. Following the ceremony, where the armored 'The Beast' state vehicle was used, the one-on-one meeting and the subsequent joint press conference closely resembled the famous Oval Office format of the White House in Washington. The two leaders answering questions together while standing side by side in front of the Turkish and American press symbolized the strength of the bond between the two countries and the beginning of a new diplomatic era. This comprehensive summit established an important foundation that will determine the regional and global steps of Türkiye and the US in the coming period.