Critical Meeting at Beştepe; Turkish Cabinet Agenda: F-35, Iran, and Terrorism

Following the conclusion of the eventful NATO summit in Ankara, all eyes are now on the Presidential Complex in Beştepe. Tomorrow, July 13, 2026, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will chair a meeting with an agenda directly tied to national security and the regional balance of power [1][2].

The F-35 File and Lifting CAATSA Sanctions A primary focus of this meeting is following up on bilateral discussions held during the NATO summit, particularly the talks with Donald Trump. During his visit to Ankara, Trump signaled positive intentions regarding the lifting of CAATSA sanctions and Turkey's return to the F-35 fighter jet program [2][4]. Diplomatic reports suggest that Ankara is considering a controversial option to resolve the S-400 dilemma; the possibility of selling these Russian systems to a third country in the Gulf region (such as the United Arab Emirates) to clear the path for purchasing fifth-generation American jets [5]. Erdoğan emphasized that Turkey had previously secured a commitment for 5 F-35 jets and now expects Washington to fulfill its promises.

The Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Turkey's Mediating Role Another segment of this sensitive meeting is dedicated to recent developments in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Following retaliatory US strikes on targets near Iranian maritime borders after commercial vessels were targeted, the ceasefire between Tehran and Washington remains extremely fragile [4]. Turkey, maintaining close ties with both sides, intends to review its strategies for mediation and preventing the escalation of conflict during this session [2][3]. Stability in the Strait of Hormuz is considered vital for Turkey's energy security and trade.

'Terror-free Turkey' Strategy and Internal Security In the realm of internal security, the cabinet is set to review progress on the initiative known as 'Terror-free Turkey' (Terörsüz Türkiye). This plan includes cross-border operations against terrorist groups as well as new legislative steps intended to be finalized before the parliamentary summer recess [2][3]. Additionally, preparations for the tenth anniversary of the democracy victory on July 15 (the 2016 failed coup) are also on the agenda [1].

Economic Challenges and Inflation Finally, the government's economic team will present a report on the inflation status and the fight against artificial pricing. Despite the focus on foreign policy, economic pressure on citizens remains one of Erdoğan's primary concerns in this meeting, aiming to take new steps toward market stabilization before the end of July [3].