Will the aircraft deal be cancelled? US: Turkey does not meet the conditions to return to the F-35 program
In an official letter obtained by Walla, the State Department clarifies that Ankara will not be able to return to the fighter jet program as long as it does not get rid of the Russian S-400 system. Alongside this, Washington praises Turkey's contribution to the peace plan for Gaza - but emphasizes: concerned about Hamas's funding infrastructure on its territory.
The US Department of State clarified in an official letter to Congress, which reached Walla, that Turkey still does not meet the legal requirements necessary to return to the F-35 fighter jet program. The letter, sent on July 22 on behalf of the Department of State in response to an inquiry by Congressman Wesley Bell, was written at the request of the White House and on behalf of President Donald Trump.
The letter states that United States policy on the matter has not changed and continues to be consistent with the CAATSA sanctions law and the National Defense Authorization Act for 2020. The Department of State clarifies that before F-35 aircraft can be transferred to Turkey, it must fully comply with the requirements of the law, primarily the resolution of the issue of the Russian S-400 air defense system.
To this end, Ankara must completely divest from the system and its associated equipment, commit not to reacquire it in the future, and meet the other certification requirements established by law.
"Turkey has not yet met these conditions," the letter states.
The Department of State emphasizes that any process to resolve the S-400 crisis must be "transparent, legal, and consistent with the national security interests" of the United States. It further states that following the recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Washington will continue to engage in dialogue with Ankara with the goal of resolving the issue, alongside strengthening cooperation within NATO.
The letter also addresses US-Turkey relations and notes that they are based on shared security interests and balanced trade relations. Alongside this, it is emphasized that the United States will continue to work with Turkey in areas of mutual interest, but will also "hold Turkey accountable when its actions harm the interests of the United States."
Regarding Gaza, the Department of State notes that despite long-standing US concerns about Turkey's ties to Hamas, Ankara has played a "key role" in promoting the President's peace plan for Gaza.
According to the letter, Turkey used its ties with the political leadership of Hamas to bring about the acceptance of the plan and progress toward the first phase of a ceasefire, and subsequently even became a founding member of the "Peace Council." It is further written that Turkey continues to contribute to regional stability, including in Syria.
Nevertheless, the Department of State emphasizes that the United States continues to impose sanctions on entities linked to Hamas, including charities used to transfer funds to the organization's military wing. It is also written that Hamas's use of informal financial networks and unlicensed money changers in Turkey to access funds "continues to be of concern," and that Washington is committed to disrupting these illicit financing channels.
