Post-NATO Summit Relations: Messages Between Turkey and the US

During the NATO Summit, US President Donald Trump answered questions from the press before a bilateral meeting. The topics of F-35, KAAN, CAATSA sanctions, and the Trump-Erdoğan meeting have once again become central to Turkey-US relations. Foreign Policy Expert Umur Tugay Yücel evaluated the background of the statements. Trump's comments on “making a decision on F-35” and “lifting CAATSA sanctions” are being interpreted as a potential start to a new era in Ankara-Washington relations. Yücel stated that the summit, which coincided with a period of deepening crises in the international system, highlighted increasing geopolitical competition and global security risks. He noted that this process has significantly increased Turkey's weight and visibility within NATO:

The NATO summit in Ankara took place during a period of increasing crises among members, growing threat perceptions, and intertwining uncertainty and competition. The complex geopolitical environment and the US-Iran war have highlighted the importance of the defense industry, thus increasing Turkey's weight and visibility.

Yücel pointed out that while Trump wants to conclude the process, the US Congress, security bureaucracy, and technical processes complicate the decision-making mechanism. According to Yücel, the F-35 issue will certainly be resolved during Trump's term, but its scope will be determined by the political balances in Washington:

It is highly likely that Trump will provide the engines for the KAAN aircraft. Regarding F-35, Trump's previous statements were about the injustice done to Turkey. Apparently, Trump wants to resolve this issue in some way. However, the American bureaucracy, congressional pressure, and technical details are hindering Trump's efforts to accelerate the process.

Yücel also mentioned that the likelihood of the US providing support for the KAAN fighter jet's engines is high, and Trump has a positive approach to Turkey in this matter:

From Turkey's perspective, it can be said with confidence that Trump has a positive approach to both the F-35 issue and the engines for the KAAN aircraft. It is certain that this process will be concluded, either positively or negatively, during Trump's term.

Evaluating Trump's statement on lifting CAATSA sanctions, Yücel emphasized the importance of political messages while advising a cautious approach.