Sanctions against Iran

The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) issued separate statements on Monday hailing the Trump administration's announcement to impose sanctions on Turkey for its acquisition of the Russian-made S-400 missile defense system, which is in violation of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Greece welcomed the announced US sanctions against the top Turkish defense development body, its president and three employees on Monday.

Turkish Foreign Ministry on Dec. 14 said that U.S. sanctions will harm ties, adding that Ankara will retaliate as necessary.

The U.S. Treasury Department on Dec. 14 imposed sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system.

The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday the United States has made clear to Turkey that its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems would endanger the security of US military technology and personnel.

Pompeo said he has urged Turkey to resolve the S-400 issue in co-ordination with the United States.

The US Senate approved on Friday its defense budget for 2021 that, among other provisions, paves the way for the imposition of sanctions on Turkey over the supply of Russian S-400 missile systems.

The bill provides for the obligation to impose sanctions under the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) in Turkey within a specific timeframe.

In contrast, the EU issued a mild warning of possible sanctions on Turkey during its Summit

US sanctions on Turkey over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defense systems would backfire and hurt ties between the two NATO members, a senior Turkish official said on Thursday.

"Sanctions would not achieve a result but be counter-productive. They would harm relations," the official said after four sources said Washington was poised to impose sanctions.

The image of the US Capitol reflected in glass windows in Washington, 8 December 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE/MICHAEL REYNOLDS

The head of Greek diplomacy attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council to talk about possible sanctions against Turkey

International pressure on Ankara aimed at containing its expansive foreign policy was further intensified this week with the US defense budget bill for 2021, which foresees sanctions against Turkey over its acquisition of Russian S-400 missiles.