Trump Urges Repeal of CAATSA to Improve U.S.-Turkey Relations

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan disclosed that U.S. President Donald Trump has emphasized the need to repeal the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) during discussions focused on U.S.-Turkey relations.

In an interview with Turkish broadcaster A HABER, Fidan stated that Trump considers CAATSA inappropriate for the bilateral relationship and has instructed his administration to take steps toward its repeal. He remarked that the current U.S. administration appears more willing to address this issue compared to the previous administration under President Joe Biden, expressing optimism: 'God willing, we will resolve it as soon as possible.'

CAATSA has had a considerable impact on U.S.-Turkey relations, particularly following the imposition of sanctions on Turkey in 2019 due to its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. The U.S. had urged Turkey to abandon the S-400 in favor of American Patriot systems, but Ankara declined, resulting in Turkey's removal from the F-35 fighter jet program and sanctions against key figures in its defense sector.

Turkey has criticized the U.S. sanctions as unjust and a breach of its sovereign rights, maintaining its position on the S-400 despite ongoing pressure to shift to NATO-compatible defense systems.