Secretary of State Rubio clarifies legal restrictions on Turkey's F-35 participation

During a hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee on June 3, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the issue of Turkey's potential return to the F-35 fighter jet program. Democratic Representative Dina Titus initiated the discussion, citing recent supportive statements regarding Turkey's return made by U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack. Titus argued that such a readmission would be unacceptable and inconsistent with U.S. law. In response, Rubio confirmed that Turkey was removed from the program due to its purchase of the Russian S-400 Triumph air defense system. He stated that current U.S. law, specifically provisions within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and the CAATSA sanctions legislation, leaves the administration with no option to restore Turkey's status. Rubio emphasized that these legal requirements are mandatory and not subject to administrative discretion while the S-400 system remains in Turkish possession. The discussion highlighted a perceived disconnect between statements made by the American ambassador and the formal legislative constraints upheld by the State Department.