United States renews defense export exemptions for Cyprus

The United States government has decided to renew the lifting of defense restrictions, known as International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), for the Republic of Cyprus for the 2027 fiscal year. This decision allows for the export, re-export, and transfer of defense articles and services from the U.S. to Cyprus.

The Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the move, stating it recognizes the expanding strategic partnership and cooperation between the two nations in defense and security. The Ministry noted that this facilitates access to U.S. defense programs, including Foreign Military Sales (FMS) and Excess Defense Articles (EDA), following the establishment of a Defense and Security Cooperation Dialogue in 2021.

In response, Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot administration expressed opposition to the decision. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that such actions could erode trust between the two communities on the island and undermine regional stability. The Turkish side emphasized its role as a guarantor power and its commitment to protecting Turkish Cypriot interests, while the Turkish Cypriot administration expressed concern that the move ignores regional realities and could fuel armament trends in the Eastern Mediterranean.