U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack stated on Monday that Washington is open to dialogue over Türkiye’s exclusion from the F-35 program and CAATSA-related sanctions, calling for a “strategic reset” in bilateral defense ties ahead of the NATO Summit.

Barrack: “Türkiye Still a Pillar of NATO”

In an interview with Turkish media, Barrack emphasized Türkiye’s irreplaceable strategic value to NATO’s southeastern flank. He noted that while disagreements over the S-400 air defense system and subsequent sanctions under CAATSA remain unresolved, the Biden administration supports “pragmatic, forward-looking dialogue.”

F-35: Room for Reengagement?

When asked whether Türkiye could be reintegrated into the F-35 program, Barrack stopped short of promises but said, “There’s space for progress if both sides engage constructively and align on shared security principles.” Türkiye was removed from the F-35 program in 2019 after acquiring the Russian S-400 system.

CAATSA Sanctions Still in Effect—For Now

The ambassador acknowledged that CAATSA sanctions are “still technically active,” but noted that their implementation is “subject to executive discretion and congressional oversight.” He added that diplomatic channels remain open and may be activated during or after the NATO meeting.

NATO Summit: A Window of Opportunity

Barrack suggested that the upcoming NATO summit could serve as a venue for quiet bilateral talks, adding, “Both countries must act with strategic maturity to overcome past frictions and face new threats together.”