Members of the US House of Representatives are calling on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to clarify whether recent public statements on the potential sale of F-35s to Turkey made by the Ambassador in Ankara, Tom Barrack, reflect official government policy.
Last month, Barrack signaled a potential breakthrough in the long-standing defense impasse between Washington and Ankara, expressing confidence that Turkey could soon rejoin the F-35 fighter jet program.
Speaking at the annual Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Ambassador Barrack stated that the primary obstacle—Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system—is nearing a resolution. “I think you’re going to see the S-400 situation solved soon,” Barrack noted, adding that from the perspective of the current administration, “acceptance into the F-35 program is fine.”
A letter is currently circulating in Congress to gather signatures for a formal inquiry. The intervention focuses on the two primary concerns of a potential re-entry of Turkey into the F-35 fighter jet program and controversial remarks regarding Hezbollah’s role in Lebanon.
Security concerns and the F-35 program to Turkey
Lawmakers argue that these statements create dangerous ambiguity regarding Washington’s stance on NATO security and the regional balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The letter reminds the State Department that Congress imposed strict conditions on Turkey following its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system. The signatories are demanding to know:
- If there has been any shift in US policy regarding these restrictions
- How CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) sanctions are being applied
- What specific steps Ankara must take before any discussion of the F-35 program can resume
The lawmakers emphasize that Turkey has yet to meet the legal requirements for reinstatement, which include the permanent removal of the S-400s and a formal commitment to forgo future Russian defense acquisitions.
Controversial stance on Hezbollah
The second part of the inquiry addresses Barrack’s comments made at the Antalya Diplomatic Forum. Lawmakers expressed alarm over statements that appeared to equate Israel with Hezbollah.
During a panel discussion, Barrack described the ceasefire in Lebanon as “extremely fragile,” arguing that the peace process is incomplete without the involvement of Hezbollah and Iran. He further suggested that the international community must engage in a political dialogue with Hezbollah, stating that the goal should not be the group’s total elimination.
The House members are now asking the State Department to confirm whether suggesting a “political management” approach toward a designated terrorist organization is compatible with current US foreign policy.
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