Congress is now ready to review Turkey’s request to reintegrate into the F-35 fighter program, and to lift the sanctions imposed on it for the acquisition of the Russian S-400 anti-aircraft system, says US Ambassador to Turkey, Thomas Barak.

Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program in July 2019, in response to the US government to the supply of the S-400.

In particular, when Thomas Barak was asked if there is progress in the reversal of US sanctions under the CAATSA law and the reintegration of Turkey in the F-35 program, Barack categorically responded: “Absolutely yes.”

He stressed that Turkey remains a critical partner for NATO, recalling that many F-35 components are already manufactured in Turkey. He said that both Trump and Erdogan, along with Rubio and Fidan, agree to find a solution.

‘I believe that by the end of the year There is a significant chance of reaching an agreement ‘, Barack said, implying that Congress is ready to address the issue from a new point of view.

“For the first time, the US and Turkey are not just defense partners, but are sharing the commitment to evolve from defense into major pillars of diplomacy, security and cooperation,” he concluded.

‘Turkey is a decisive factor in the Middle East’

The US ambassador to Ankara and a special envoy to Syria also said that it considers Turkey a decisive factor in the Middle East in the midst of continuing conflicts.

Speaking to Anadolu agency on Sunday, during his visit to Smyrna, Barack called a “new dialogue” in the area. His placements come amid the recent tension between Israel and Iran and the ongoing war in Gaza.

“Israel needs to redefine its roll. It is currently in this process, “Barak said. “What is happening now between Israel and Iran is a signal for all of us that it is time to draw a new path. And the key to this path is Turkey. “

Barack emphasized the close personal relationship between US President Donald Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, adding that US Secretary of State Marko Rubio and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

“At a critical important point in history, these four people have built a relationship based on trust, mutual understanding and intimacy,” Barak said. “There is a huge opportunity, because we have two leaders who trust each other, supported by ministers who know exactly how to realize this vision.”

Emphasized that the two telephone conversations between Trump and Erdogan were catalytic to build this trust.

Barack noted that the US has always considered Turkey a vital ally in NATO.

“Chaos in the Middle East has been preserved largely by the constant interventions of the West,” he said. “But Trump and Erdogan see an opportunity to change the dialogue – and this requires a bold leadership.”

“I believe Turkey is in the center of all of this, as we have seen in Syria.”he added, arguing that Turkey had a decisive role in recent developments in the region.

However, the expatriate MP of Democrats Chris Pope, Speaking to the News, he assured that the doors will remain (for the time being) closed for Ankara for the F-35.