Department of State: We Warned Them About Ramifications, Trump: Obama is to Blame

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As the delivery of S-400 Long-Range Air Defense and Missile Defense System has been continuing since July 12, two statements have come from the US regarding possible sanctions against Turkey.

CLICK - S-400 Delivery Starts

In her press briefing on July 16, Morgan Ortagus, the Spokesperson for the US Department of State, was asked, "Can I just ask you what is going on in terms of discussions, deliberations about Turkey and its purchase of the S-400s?" In response, Morgan Ortagus stated the following:

'We are pretty clear about ramifications'

"So the Secretary and President are examining all options in the CAATSA legislation. I think that we have been pretty clear from this podium what the ramifications could be, and I think that you saw those ramifications today when the President talked about the inability of Turkey now to have the F-35.

"As it relates to which sanctions options will be chosen, we do not preview those sanctions in advance, but know that the Secretary is obviously reviewing and working on this with the President."

To a question regarding which sanctions could be imposed, Ortagus said, "I think we could all go to google.com and look at the CAATSA sanctions and see the 12 options available there and what can be done in that legislation. And I think that the Secretary and the President will make a decision based on what they are required to do according to US law, and once they have that decision, we'll certainly inform all of you."

CLICK - US Department of State: Our Position to S-400 Sanctions Remains the Same

'Turkey forced into this move by Obama'

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump also made a statement regarding Turkey's purchase of S-400s. Stating that "he understands why Ankara opted to buy missiles from Russia", he indicated that "Turkey was forced into this move" by his predecessor Barack Obama.

"We are now telling Turkey that because you have really been forced to buy another missile system, we are not going to sell you the F-35 fighter jets. (...) It is a very tough situation that they are in and it is a very tough situation that we have been placed in. (...) With all of that being said, we're working through it - we will see what happens.

"Because they have a system of missiles that is made in Russia, they are now prohibited from buying over 100 planes. I would say that [F-35 manufacturer] Lockheed is not exactly happy. That's a lot of jobs."

(PT/EKN/SD)