Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced on September 19, 2026, that Turkey and the United States are exploring "creative ideas" to resolve the dispute over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. The acquisition in 2020 triggered US CAATSA sanctions and led to Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet program. While details of the new proposals remain undisclosed, previous reports suggested Turkey might resell the systems to a Gulf nation, a move Russia has acknowledged discussing.
US-Turkey S-400 sanctions negotiations
- ▪Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan did not elaborate on the specific "creative ideas" being discussed with the United States to resolve the S-400 sanctions dispute but expressed hope for positive steps
- ▪Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated on September 19, 2026, that Ankara and Washington are working on "creative ideas" to lift US sanctions over Turkey's purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems.
CAATSA sanctions and F-35 program exclusion
- ▪The United States government imposed Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) sanctions on Turkey in 2020 due to Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 air defense systems.
- ▪The United States government removed Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program in 2020 following Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems.
S-400 resale and Russian communications
- ▪The Russian government confirmed in July 2026 that it was in contact with Ankara regarding the S-400 missile systems and their potential sale.
- ▪Turkish media reported in July 2026 that Turkey could potentially resell its Russian S-400 missile systems to a Gulf nation to persuade the United States to sell F-35 fighter jets to Ankara.
Debatable claims
- ▪The US should lift sanctions on Turkey if Ankara resells its S-400 systems
- ▪The US should readmit Turkey to the F-35 fighter jet program
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