Congresswoman urges end to Cyprus arms embargo amid Turkish F-16 deployment
Republican congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis on Monday called for the permanent removal of the United States arms embargo on Cyprus following Turkey’s deployment of F-16 fighter jets to the north.
Malliotakis described the move as “a brazen provocation against a key partner in the Eastern Mediterranean” and said it “endangers Cyprus’ sovereignty, destabilises the region, and calls for a response from Congress.”
She urged House leadership to bring the proposed bill End Cyprus Embargo Act, to the floor without delay, arguing that the legislation would enable Cyprus to acquire advanced defensive systems and plan essential procurement contracts.
“The arms embargo doesn’t just block Cyprus from getting weapons – it also prevents them from planning for future threats,” Malliotakis said.
She highlighted that current waivers are issued annually, limiting Cyprus’ ability to secure sustained contracts for advanced systems capable of intercepting drone threats.
“Remove the embargo permanently, and Cyprus would likely start buying these systems from US industry – a win for our ally, a boost for American defence jobs, and a step toward regional stability,” she added.
The call follows Turkey’s stationing of six F-16s and air defence assets at Tymbou (Ercan) airport in the north in response to a build up of tension in the region and the stationing of European warships off the Cyprus coast.
Ankara described the deployment as a response to perceived European support for the republic, with Turkish defence officials asserting the measures would continue depending on regional developments.
President Nikos Christodoulides condemned the deployment as “a continuation of its occupation” and emphasised the significant presence of Turkish forces and military equipment in the north.
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman sought to downplay the rhetoric, describing the deployment as “a reaction against European mobilisation” while affirming that “our priority is the security of the whole of the island, not just the Turkish Cypriots, but the Greek Cypriots as well.”
Turkey has also expanded radar and maritime monitoring across the north.
The American Jewish Committee and the Hellenic American Leadership Council have previously urged Washington to lift the embargo permanently, arguing Cyprus has become a strategic partner in the Levant and that its security is central to regional stability.
The US arms embargo on Cyprus, in place since 1987 to encourage reunification following the Turkish invasion, allows for annual waivers under certain conditions.
Critics argue the policy has forced Cyprus to procure alternative weapons systems, including Russian equipment, restricting cooperation with Western partners.
Malliotakis said lifting the embargo would provide legal certainty for the island to develop defensive capabilities, particularly for air and missile defence, while supporting ongoing humanitarian and security missions in the Levant.
“The urgency couldn’t be clearer,” Malliotakis said, referring to the recent State Department increase of Cyprus’ travel advisory to Level 3 and authorisation for non-emergency personnel to depart.
She added that Cyprus continues to serve as a vital hub for civilians fleeing regional conflicts, including American citizens, and should be equipped with the most advanced defensive systems available.
Turkey has criticised international responses, with the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) spokesman Omer Celik arguing that EU and Greek military deployments rather increase instability in the Mediterranean.
He said Ankara, as a guarantor power, has the right to act to protect the sovereign interests of the north, while also warning that regional conflicts, including Israeli operations in Iran, risk escalation.
Greece has emphasised that Turkey’s use of F-16s for operations outside its territory contravenes international law and US arms agreements.
“Turkey’s conduct in Cyprus must be addressed with action, not silence,” Malliotakis concluded.