Turkey-US F-35 negotiations taking longer than expected, says Hakan Fidan

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that negotiations with the United States regarding the lifting of CAATSA sanctions and Turkey's return to the F-35 fighter jet program are taking “a little more time than expected.”

Speaking at a panel in New York, Fidan emphasized the long-standing value of Turkey-US relations, describing the bond as an alliance with impact beyond their borders. He noted that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and President Donald Trump play a central role in the current dynamics of the relationship. Fidan indicated that both leaders have agreed the issue of the F-35 program should be resolved “as soon as possible.”

Fidan also highlighted the “unprecedented” coordination between Turkey and American mediators, including Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, on various international issues ranging from the Russia-Ukraine war to Gaza, Libya, the Horn of Africa, and the South Caucasus.