Turkey-US Diplomacy: Navigating Defense Sanctions and Strategic Shifts

Turkey and the US aim to resolve defense cooperation obstacles following top diplomats' discussions in Washington. The dialogue comes amid efforts to lift US sanctions on Turkey's defense sector, influenced by its Russian ties. Shifting US administration policies impact the broader Turkey-US strategic partnership.

Turkey and the United States are seeking to overcome hurdles in their defense industry partnership, according to a Turkish diplomat, following top-level discussions in Washington. This comes as Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Washington to urge the removal of US sanctions on Turkey, including re-entry into a critical fighter jet program.

The visit coincides with Ankara's pursuit of closer ties with Washington under President Donald Trump's administration, just after a significant call between Trump and President Erdogan described as 'transformational.' The visit also occurs against a backdrop of domestic upheaval in Turkey, following the jailing of Istanbul's mayor, which sparked major protests.

Amid prolonged tension over Turkey's acquisition of Russian S-400 missile systems and its exclusion from the F-35 program, Ankara continues its diplomatic negotiations. Both nations are engaging in talks to resolve these defense disputes, influenced by broader geopolitical shifts and changing US-Russia dynamics, especially under the Trump administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)