STATE DEPARTMENT FREEZES F-35 DEAL: U.S. Blocks Turkey Until S-400 Issue Is Resolved

Washington makes it clear that Ankara has yet to meet the legal requirements for acquiring F-35 fighter jets, reaffirming its firm stance despite continued strategic cooperation within NATO.

The United States has once again made it clear that Turkey remains ineligible to receive fifth-generation F-35 fighter jets, as it has not fulfilled the legal conditions required under U.S. law. The State Department’s official response to Congress underscores that, despite periodic speculation about a possible thaw in relations, Washington has no intention of bypassing the existing legislative framework.

The position was outlined in an official letter from the State Department’s Bureau of Legislative Affairs to Democratic Congressman Wesley Bell, following his request to President Donald Trump regarding U.S.-Turkey relations, CAATSAsanctions, the F-35 program, and Ankara’s ties to Hamas. The White House instructed the State Department to respond on the President’s behalf.

The S-400 Issue Remains the Key Obstacle

According to the State Department, Turkey must fully comply with U.S. legal requirements before any transfer of F-35 aircraft can be considered.

Specifically, Ankara must:

• No longer possess the Russian-made S-400 air defense system or any associated equipment.
• Provide binding assurances that it will not reacquire the S-400 system in the future.
• Meet all additional certification requirements established under U.S. law.

The State Department stressed that none of these conditions have been met, leaving Turkey excluded from the F-35 program.

Washington also emphasized that any resolution of the S-400 dispute must be transparent, lawful, and fully consistent with U.S. national security interests.

Strategic Cooperation Continues—With Clear Red Lines

Despite the ongoing impasse over the F-35 program, the United States reiterated its commitment to maintaining cooperation with Turkey within NATO and on broader regional security issues.

Following the recent meeting between President Donald Trump and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, U.S. officials stated they would continue discussions aimed at resolving the S-400 dispute while preserving NATO cohesion. However, Washington made clear that its legal requirements remain unchanged.

The State Department also noted that bilateral relations are built on shared security concerns and balanced economic ties, while emphasizing that the United States will continue working with Ankara in areas of mutual interest and will hold Turkey accountable whenever its actions undermine U.S. strategic interests.

Continuing Concerns Over Hamas

The letter also addressed Turkey’s relationship with Hamas, acknowledging that Washington continues to have concerns over Ankara’s contacts with the organization.

At the same time, the State Department recognized Turkey’s role in advancing the President’s Gaza peace initiative by using its communication channels with Hamas’ political leadership to encourage acceptance of the initial phase of the ceasefire agreement.

Geopolitical Assessment

The State Department’s latest position confirms that Turkey’s future participation in the F-35 program remains directly tied to the S-400 issue rather than the broader trajectory of U.S.-Turkey relations. While Ankara remains a strategically important NATO ally on the Alliance’s southeastern flank, Washington has demonstrated that security considerations and compliance with U.S. law continue to outweigh broader geopolitical calculations.

The message is unmistakable: until Turkey fully addresses the S-400 issue and satisfies the statutory requirements imposed by Congress, the door to the F-35 program will remain firmly closed.