Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said that the US sanctions on his country shake all the values of the alliance between Turkey and the United States, a day after Washington imposed sanctions on the Turkish Defense Industries Authority and its officials.
Akar explained that the sanctions against a member state of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will not only harm the spirit of the alliance, but also undermine confidence among the allies.
He added that the Turkish government will take all measures to protect the security of its citizens and their country, which is under dangerous air and missile threats, as he put it.
The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on the Turkish Defense Industries Authority, its Chairman, Ismail Demir, and officials there.
The ministry said the sanctions were imposed under the "CATSA Act," the Anti-America’s Adversaries Act.
After the announcement of the US sanctions, the Turkish lira increased by about 1%.
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the sanctions against the Turkish Defense Industries Authority came because of its purchase of the "S-400" anti-missile system.
Pompeo added that the sanctions include a ban on all US export licenses, an asset freeze, and visa restrictions for the authority’s chairman, Ismail Demir, and other officials.
He indicated that the United States had made clear to Turkey that its purchase of the "S-400" system could endanger American technology and the American military.
Pompeo explained that Turkey decided to proceed with the purchase and testing of Russian missiles despite the availability of alternative systems by NATO.
But Pompeo added that Turkey is a valuable ally and an important partner in regional security, and that his country seeks to continue cooperation with it in the defense sector.
Washington says that the use of the "S-400" systems may endanger the defense systems of NATO, while Ankara says that the system will not be integrated into the systems of the alliance, and will not pose any threat.
A week ago, Sergey Chemezov, director of the Russian "Rostec" military manufacturing company, said that the deal for the S-400 air defense system had been implemented.
Chemezov added - in an interview with Interfax - that Ankara has received all parts of the system, and has paid all financial dues.
In the context of the reactions, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the US sanctions would harm bilateral relations, and "we will respond with what is necessary."
The Turkish Foreign Ministry called on Washington to reconsider and reverse the sanctions decision.
She also said, "We will not refrain from taking any step for our national security."