US imposes veto: Erdogan will have to part with super weapon and old friends in order to get F-35
The US State Department clarifies in an official letter to Congress: Turkey still does not meet the legal conditions set for its return to the advanced stealth fighter jet program.
Assessment
Turkey's path back into the F-35 program remains blocked by U.S. legal conditions it has not met, as the State Department formally notified Congress. The stakes involve Turkey's access to advanced military technology and its broader relationship with NATO allies. Erdogan faces a choice between retaining certain weapons systems and longstanding partnerships, or making concessions to rejoin the program. The next signal to watch is whether Turkey signals willingness to meet those conditions.