US Official: F-35 Sale to Turkey Blocked by Law
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey is currently blocked by U.S. law, primarily due to Turkey's purchase of Russia's S-400 air defense system. Despite President Trump's desire to proceed, legislative hurdles remain, and Turkish media have shown the F-35s awaiting delivery in the U.S. Rubio also affirmed U.S. support for Greece's security cooperation with Israel and its own defense requests, while stressing the U.S. goal of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons amidst severe economic pressure.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated the F-35 sale to Turkey is blocked by U.S. law.
- Turkey's acquisition of Russia's S-400 air defense system is the main obstacle.
- President Trump wants Turkey to receive the F-35s it paid for.
- Turkish media showed F-35 jets waiting in U.S. hangars.
- The U.S. views Greece's security cooperation with Israel favorably.
- The U.S. aims to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey cannot proceed at this time due to U.S. law. While President Donald Trump desires Turkey to receive the aircraft it has paid for, legislative restrictions prevent the transfer. Rubio explained that a provision in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) imposes stringent conditions that must be met before the sale can be finalized. The primary obstacle is Turkey's acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system, which must be resolved for the F-35 delivery to be possible, though future solutions might emerge.
Turkish media recently released footage showing F-35 jets, allegedly intended for Ankara, waiting in hangars in the United States. Rubio also commented on Greece's deepening security ties with Israel, which the U.S. views "very favorably." He noted the challenge of maintaining good relations with other Gulf and Middle Eastern nations, mirroring U.S. policy. Regarding Greece's request for specific F-35 weapon systems, similar to those used by Israel, Rubio indicated the request is under serious consideration due to Greece's status as an important ally, with a final decision pending.
On the issue of Iran, Rubio emphasized the U.S. objective of preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He asserted that Iran's attempts to conceal an extensive missile and drone program, intended to create a conventional shield for its nuclear ambitions, have been thwarted. Rubio highlighted the unprecedented economic pressure on Iran, predicting an imminent economic collapse that could be the worst in modern Iranian history, blaming the ruling extremist Shia clergy. He concluded that Iran must choose between being a state or a revolution, but acquiring nuclear weapons is not an option under President Trump.