The Trump administration took a major step toward repairing defense ties with Turkey on Thursday, formally notifying Congress that it intends to move ahead with a military sale valued at more than $700 million. The proposed agreement would provide Turkey with military aircraft propulsion systems, signaling a significant shift in U.S.-Turkish relations after years of tension.

The official notification to lawmakers followed reports that surfaced a day earlier indicating the White House was preparing to move forward with the transaction.

The proposed sale comes despite continuing objections from several members of Congress, who remain uneasy over Turkey’s decision to retain the Russian-made S-400 air defense system it purchased in 2019. Lawmakers have long argued that the system poses security risks to NATO and Western military technology.

Relations between Washington and Ankara deteriorated during President Donald Trump’s first administration after Turkey acquired the Russian S-400 missile defense system. U.S. officials maintained that the platform could potentially be used to gather intelligence on advanced Western defense capabilities.

Following that purchase, the United States imposed sanctions on Turkey’s defense procurement agency and removed Ankara from the multinational F-35 fighter jet program, ending its role in producing components for the aircraft and eliminating its opportunity to receive the stealth fighters.

More recently, however, reports have suggested that Turkey has expressed a willingness to give up the S-400 system, a move that could pave the way for its return to the F-35 program.

Thursday’s announcement was widely viewed as a symbolic gesture toward Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom President Trump has increasingly described as an important strategic ally.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Trump revealed that he had personally urged Erdogan not to become involved in the conflict with Iran, saying the Turkish leader agreed to stay out.

“You know, he was a prime candidate to go into the war with Iran. Maybe, on Iran’s side because he’s not a big fan of Israel, as you know. And I asked him to stay out. He stayed out,” the President told reporters.

Trump continued by offering warm praise for the Turkish president, emphasizing both his patriotism and leadership.

“Erdogan loves Turkey, right? He’s doing a great job. He loves Turkey. I love the US, but he loves Turkey, and he’s doing a great job. He’s a respected man, a respected leader. He’s been a friend of mine.”

When asked whether his administration would ultimately approve Turkey’s long-sought request to acquire F-35 fighter jets, Trump suggested that such a move remains under consideration.

“I think so. He’s a member of NATO. Some people don’t consider himself, but he really is. He is a strong member of NATO. Yeah, I’m going to probably do something that’s going to make him very happy.”

{Matzav.com}