Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized the Trump administration's denial of U.S. arms sales to Turkey, saying the policy lacks an 'explained rationale' while the U.S. sells 'vast quantities' of weapons to non-NATO countries that do not share American strategic interests. Fidan's statement, reported Thursday evening, follows recent Trump signals that he may approve F-35 sales to Ankara.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan criticized the Trump administration for denying arms sales to Turkey, arguing the policy lacks a clear rationale given Washington's willingness to sell massive quantities of weapons to non-NATO countries. Fidan's remarks come amid a flurry of signals from President Trump suggesting he may approve the sale of F-35 fighter jets and F-110 engines to Ankara — a move that, if formalized, would mark a major shift in U.S.-Turkey defense ties. Trump has publicly praised Erdogan as a 'great leader' and commented on the size of Turkey's military. The administration had previously blocked F-35 sales over Turkey's acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, but the current signals from the White House and Vice President JD Vance suggest a legal review is underway to clear the path for a deal. The Zioneer has reported extensively on this thread: Trump first indicated he would likely approve the sale on June 24; Vance said a legal review is needed on June 25; an analysis warned the sale would erode Israeli air superiority in the Mediterranean. Fidan's statement, reported on Israeli Telegram channels Thursday night, adds diplomatic pressure as Ankara presses Trump to follow through on his signals.
- DevelopingFormer Israeli Air Force official urges government to block potential US F-35 sale to Turkey
- DevelopingVance says US may sell F-35s to Turkey, needs legal review
- StrongTrump says he will likely approve F-35 and engine sale to Turkey
- DevelopingCongressional critics and slim chances to block F-35 and engine sale to Turkey
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