Barak expressed confidence that this issue could be resolved within the next four to six months. When asked for clarification on whether Turkey is moving towards abandoning the Russian systems, he answered affirmatively.
Topics related to the S-400 were discussed during the meeting between Donald Trump and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the White House in September. The purchase of the S-400 nearly ten years ago led to Turkey's exclusion from the F-35 program and the imposition of CAATSA sanctions against several Turkish defense companies. NATO has repeatedly emphasized that using Russian systems alongside Western aircraft could provide Moscow access to critical information.
During the September meeting, Trump indicated that he might consider resuming F-35 deliveries to Turkey, while clarifying that Ankara must take steps, including reducing imports of Russian gas and oil. As Barak noted, this process has already begun.
Additionally, the ambassador emphasized that the relationship between Trump and Erdoğan has improved, describing their interaction as a "bromance." Washington is also interested in Turkey joining the international stabilization forces outlined in Trump's peace plan for Gaza, acting as a guarantor capable of convincing Hamas to lay down its arms. However, Barak expressed doubt that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would agree to such an initiative: "If I were advising Netanyahu, I would say this is one of the smartest decisions. But will it happen? No. It's a matter of trust, and there is none."
