Intel: How Turkey sanctions relief risks leaving remaining US prisoners out to dry

After securing Turkey’s release last month of a detained US pastor, the Donald Trump administration is lifting sanctions on two Turkish ministers. But the sanctions relief could disincentivize Ankara from releasing several other American prisoners and Turks locally employed by US consular facilities. In return, Turkey has also removed sanctions it placed on US officials in retaliation.

Why it matters: In August, Trump sanctioned Justice Minister Abdulhamit Gul and Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu over the detention of Andrew Brunson, a cause celebre among Trump’s evangelical base. Ankara was likely expecting today’s action as Trump had expressly tied the sanctions exclusively to Brunson and not the other prisoners. Their removal now gives the US less leverage in securing the other prisoners’ release.

Turkey is still detaining NASA scientist Serkan Golge and has prevented chemistry professor Ismail Kul from returning to the United States. Both Golge and Kul have dual American-Turkish citizenship. Meanwhile, Ankara has detained several locally employed consular staff, including Drug Enforcement Agency employee Metin Topuz.

Iran sanctions: Turkey is also seeking an exemption from pending US oil sanctions on Iran so that it can keep importing Iranian petroleum. Energy Minister Fatih Donmez told reporters today that Ankara may get a waiver amid reports that the United States intends to give waivers to at least eight countries.