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Turkey has voiced strong opposition to the Biden administration’s recent decision to include Cyprus in three U.S. defense programs, just hours before Joe Biden handed over the presidency to Donald Trump. The move, which marks a significant shift in U.S. policy, has sparked outrage in Turkey, with both government-aligned and opposition media highlighting its potential implications.
The U.S. decision, announced shortly before Biden’s exit, authorizes the Republic of Cyprus to receive military equipment under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. This includes eligibility for the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program, and other Title 10 security assistance initiatives.
Turkey’s state-run Anadolu News Agency reported the story under the headline: “Biden directive authorizing southern Cyprus to receive military equipment from the U.S.” The outlet referred to Cyprus as the "Greek Cypriot administration of southern Cyprus" (EDNC), reflecting Turkey’s non-recognition of the Republic of Cyprus and its long-standing division of the island.
Media Reaction in Turkey
Pro-government Turkish media were quick to criticize the decision. The daily Yeni Safak labeled it a “scandalous ruling against Turkey” and described the directive as “very dangerous” for the region. Similarly, the opposition website Oda TV called the move “a trap for Turkey” and emphasized that it comes after the U.S. lifted its decades-long arms embargo on Cyprus in 2020.
Opposition broadcaster Halk TV also condemned the decision with a headline reading: “Biden’s scandalous decision on Cyprus.” Critics argue that the move favors the Greek Cypriot side and could exacerbate tensions in the region, particularly with Turkey’s role as a guarantor power on the island.
A Historic Step for Cyprus
For Cyprus, the U.S. directive is being celebrated as another major milestone following the 2020 lifting of the arms embargo. The inclusion in these programs is seen as a step toward modernizing the Cypriot National Guard and strengthening U.S.-Cyprus defense ties, bolstering the Republic’s security posture amid ongoing regional challenges.
Turkey’s Position and Concerns
Turkey has long opposed any arms-related support to Cyprus, arguing that such actions disrupt the balance of power on the island and undermine efforts for a negotiated solution to the Cyprus problem. Ankara maintains that military assistance to Cyprus risks escalating tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, where disputes over maritime rights, energy resources, and airspace are already at a boiling point.
What’s Next?
The directive is expected to have lasting implications for U.S.-Turkey relations and the delicate geopolitical landscape in the Eastern Mediterranean. As Cyprus moves closer to the U.S. in defense cooperation, Ankara is likely to push back diplomatically, further straining an already fraught relationship with Washington.
While Cyprus celebrates this newfound recognition, Turkey’s concerns point to a more complex reality: the challenges of balancing national security, regional stability, and international alliances in one of the world’s most contested regions.
