Washington: Trkiye and the United States are reportedly nearing a resolution to the CAATSA sanctions and the F-35 dispute, according to Trkiye's Deputy Foreign Minister and Ambassador Levent Gumrukcu. Speaking at the Atlantic Council Trkiye Program event in Washington, Gumrukcu highlighted the importance of resolving the dispute, a priority since President Donald Trump's administration, leading to the formation of a joint political and military working group.

According to Anadolu Agency, the working group has explored various options to address the legal requirements on the US side and the political and economic concerns on Trkiye's side. Gumrukcu expressed optimism, stating that both countries feel closer to reaching a resolution, though details of a potential deal remain undisclosed.

"For the first time in the last decade or more, we have complete confidence in the US administration. We believe they will fulfill their part of the agreement once reached," Gumrukcu stated. He emphasized that the resolution efforts extend beyond Trkiye's return to the F-35 program, aiming for deeper defense industry cooperation between the nations.

Discussing Trkiye's acquisition of Russian S-400 systems in 2019, Gumrukcu explained the purchase was a response to urgent air defense needs after failing to obtain alternatives from allies. He described the move as a "one-off procurement" to address immediate requirements. "We were compelled to buy the S-400 as an immediate gap filler," he noted, reaffirming it was a singular transaction.

Addressing concerns over opposition from some US Congress members, particularly those of Greek heritage, Gumrukcu dismissed such opposition as unnecessary. He remarked that Trkiye has never criticized Greece for acquiring defense equipment from other countries, including the US and European allies, underscoring the mutual benefits within the alliance.