Turkish president defiant in the face of US sanctions if it activates advanced air defense system, 'America’s stance is absolutely not binding for us'

Turkish media says Russian-made air defense system test-fired in Black Sea area; US Department of Defense says if true, act violates Ankara's commitments as US and NATO ally

Conversation comes days after Russian ambassador to Tehran said Moscow would have 'no problem' selling it advanced air defense system when arms ban expires later this month

Levan Dzhagaryan brushes off threat of US sanctions if Russia provides the Islamic Republic with the advanced air defense system

Ankara says it wants no 'face-off' with Moscow as tensions spiral in Idlib, claims it might receive Patriot defense system, despite earlier purchase of Russian S-400 platform

Turkish president responds to threat of US sanctions over Ankara's decision to buy Russian S-400 missile defense system

US legislators have warned of sanctions if Ankara activates the system, seen as a threat to NATO security

Turkish president tells lawmakers he warned US leader that if Washington doesn't compromise on letting Turkey back into F-35 program, he will look for alternatives

Purchase of system from Moscow and its subsequent delivery in July has been major source of friction between two NATO allies

President avoids sensitive issues like Turkish offensive against US-allied Kurdish forces or Ankara's purchase of Russian S-400 missiles