US Senate approves defense bill with sanctions against Turkey

The US House of Representatives has reached a deal on a defense bill setting policy for the Department of Defense.

The defense-spending bill includes a prohibition on transferring the fifth-generation F-35 joint strike fighter, or its parts, to Turkey over its purchase of the Russian S-400 anti-air missile system.

The bill also contains provisions on sanctions targeting the construction of Nord Stream 2 and Turkish Stream gas pipelines, both bypassing Ukraine

Following Turkeys' continued acquiring of Russian S-400 missile system, the United States decided to end the F-35 before July 31, 2019. Acting Defense Secretary Patrick M. Shanahan had warned Turkey that such a deal with Russia risks undermining its ties to NATO. The United States threatened Turkey with CAATSA sanctions over Turkey's decision to buy the S-400 missile defense system from Russia.

President Trump's administration officials including Secretary of State Michael Pompeo and National Security Adviser John Bolton Adviser move on with the sanctions.

"Because they have a system of missiles that's made in Russia, they're now prohibited from buying over 100 planes, I would say that (F-35 manufacturer) Lockheed isn't exactly happy. That is many jobs. And frankly I've always had a very good relationship with Erdogan," Trump said.

On 22 July 2019, Turkey claimed to retaliate against the “unacceptable” threat of US sanctions over Turkey’s purchase of Russian S-400 missile defenses.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Dec. 15 said that Ankara might close two bases in Turkey where U.S. soldiers are stationed. (ILKHA)