Shifting our focus to the rising tensions between Turkey and the US. Turkey is calling on Washington to reconsider its decision to drop it from the F-35 fighter jet program. But, the US is insisting that Turkey cannot have both the Russian S-400 missile defense system and remain in the F-35 program. Meanwhile, Russian officials have offered its own highly-sophisticated Su-35 fighter jets to Turkey, as an alternative to the F-35. CGTN's Michal Bardavid has more.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that the US decision to suspend Turkey from the F-35 fighter jet program due to its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system was 'unfair'. Turkey called on the U.S. to correct its mistake which Ankara says will cause 'irreparable wounds' to Turkish-U.S.  relations.

The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated: 'This unilateral step contradicts with the spirit of alliance and does not rely on any legitimate justification.'

MICHAL BARDAVID ANTALYA, TURKEY "Turkey has been part of the F-35 program since it was launched over 25 years ago."

Pentagon officials stated that F-35 partners were aligned in the decision to suspend Turkey and that preparation had been made for a transition in the supply chain.

ELLEN LORD US UNDER SECRETARY OF DEFENSE FOR ACQUISITION AND SUSTAINMENT "To bridge the gap initially to mitigate Turkey's removal, the program will use primarily U.S. sources for Turkey's work share. But this will gradually open up to program partners for first, second and third sources. Because of this planning, Turkey's removal from the F-35 program will have minimal impact on the larger F-35 partnership."

However, U.S. President Donald Trump has been reluctant to impose sanctions and emphasized it was a 'tough situation' and isn't looking to impose sanctions 'right now'. Trump blamed the Obama administration for not selling Turkey the Patriot missile system. The White House has also stated that military cooperation with Turkey remains strong and will continue.

Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also expressed concern over Turkey's decision to buy the Russian system yet also stated that 'Turkey's contribution to NATO runs much deeper and much broader than the F-35.'

Despite US actions - Turkey continues to accept deliveries of the S-400s from Russia. It will now be up to President Trump to decide whether to impose or delay potential sanctions. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Antalya.