Türkiye Expects CAATSA Sanctions to Be Lifted “Very Soon,” Says Foreign Minister Fidan

Summary:

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said he expects the United States to lift CAATSA sanctions on Türkiye “very soon,” marking the strongest signal yet of progress toward resolving a long-running rift over Ankara’s purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system. The remarks, delivered to Reuters at the Doha Forum, boosted investor sentiment at home, with Borsa Istanbul closing 1.65% higher. A potential reversal of sanctions could reopen the door for strategic cooperation in defense technologies, including the stalled F-35 partnership — though Washington has not yet outlined the conditions for removal.

Fidan: “We Are Working on It — Resolution Is Close”

Speaking during the 23rd Doha Forum on Saturday, Fidan confirmed that Ankara and Washington have begun formal work to address sanctions imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

“We expect the sanctions to be lifted very soon,” he said, expressing confidence that a solution is within reach.

Türkiye maintains that the measures — introduced in December 2020 — were unfair and politically driven, noting that the previous administration in Ankara repeatedly proposed technical committees and compromise formulas. The expectation in Ankara is that the issue could be settled during President Donald Trump’s second term.

The market response was immediate: Borsa Istanbul jumped 1.65% following Fidan’s remarks, reflecting optimism over a potential normalization in defense–industry ties.

Sanctions Rooted in S-400 Purchase

The U.S. sanctioned Türkiye’s Defense Industries Presidency (SSB) after Ankara acquired the Russian S-400 system despite warnings from Washington. Measures included:

• A ban on U.S. export licenses to SSB

• Asset freezes and visa restrictions on SSB President Ismail Demir and officials

• Restrictions targeting significant transactions with Rosoboronexport

U.S. officials argued the S-400 could compromise NATO systems and risk sensitive F-35 stealth technology.

Exclusion From F-35 Program Remains a Core Friction Point

Türkiye was removed from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program in 2019, losing its status as both a buyer and component manufacturer. Washington claimed simultaneous operation of S-400 and F-35 platforms would create intelligence-gathering risks due to radar tracking capabilities.

Ankara has repeatedly said it is willing to negotiate technical safeguards and expects the aircraft issue to be reconsidered as political dialogue improves.

Diplomatic Momentum Under the New Term

Fidan did not clarify what steps the U.S. might take or whether Türkiye would alter its deployment status of the S-400 system. While the batteries have been delivered, they have not been publicly operated — a detail long noted by diplomats as potential room for negotiation.

The foreign minister also discussed the war in Ukraine, describing Washington’s 28-point proposal as “a starting point now evolving into a new format.” He stressed that Türkiye is ready to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, positioning Ankara once again as a potential mediator.

Outlook

• Ankara expects CAATSA sanctions to be removed soon

• Progress may revive stalled cooperation in defense and industrial programs

• Market reaction suggests investor optimism toward U.S.–Türkiye normalization

• The F-35 dispute remains unresolved, but back-channel diplomacy appears active

• Türkiye aims to reassert itself as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict

A formal decision from Washington has not yet been announced, and the timeline remains unclear. However, Fidan’s statements mark the most optimistic tone in years regarding one of the deepest rifts in bilateral relations.