Rep. Goldman & AHI Partner on Cyprus Occupation Security Threat Assessment Amendment
U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY)
WASHINGTON - On August 28, 2025, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY) submitted an amendment for the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Secretary of Defense coordinate with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence to submit a report to Congress on the security risks posed by Turkey’s occupation of the Republic of Cyprus. This critical step to protect the security interests of the U.S. in the Eastern Mediterranean follows sustained advocacy from the American Hellenic Institute and collaboration with the office of Rep. Goldman to address this issue.
Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) co-led the amendment, which has received the support of FDD (Foundation for Defense of Democracies) and HALC (Hellenic American Leadership Council).
The report will also include an analysis of the risks Turkey’s occupation of the Republic of Cyprus poses to the allies and partners of the United States, including Israel, the United Kingdom, Greece, and the Republic of Cyprus.
AHI Legislative Director Alexander Christofor stated "I appreciate the opportunity to work with Rep. Goldman’s office to raise awareness about this critical security risk. This amendment is one of the many examples of how Rep. Goldman has demonstrated his commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. His leadership in this area is commendable.”
Christofor continued, commenting that “It’s been shown many times that the occupation of the Republic of Cyprus directly harms American interests, which is why the U.S. must take an active role in facilitating a peaceful resolution to this injustice in line with international law.”
The report will specifically assess the following:
The presence, both verified and estimated, of groups designated by the United States Department of State as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in areas of the Republic of Cyprus under occupation by the Republic of Turkey.
A chronological review of terrorist attacks committed, or attempted, in the Republic of Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia which were organized, planned, or otherwise facilitated in the area of the Republic of Cyprus under occupation by the Republic of Turkey.
A vulnerability assessment to attacks by any such group on U.S. troops, U.S. assets, or U.S. facilities located in the Republic of Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
The extent to which the Republic of Turkey contributed to, or enabled, acts of terrorism from being committed, or attempted, in Republic of Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, including by providing groups defined as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the United States with access to the area of the Republic of Cyprus under occupation by the Republic of Turkey.
The extent of the Republic of Turkey’s ongoing political, logistical, and financial support of Hamas and other groups defined as a designated terrorist organization by the United States, including through financial institutions located in the area of the Republic of Cyprus under occupation by the Republic of Turkey, contributes to acts of terrorism committed, or attempted, by these terrorist groups within the Republic of Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
The extent to which the Republic of Turkey’s continued use of U.S. arms to facilitate the occupation of the Republic of Cyprus enabled acts of terror from being committed, or attempted, within the area of the Republic of Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
Any effective steps the Republic of Turkey has taken to counter acts of terror from being committed, or attempted, within the area of the Republic of Cyprus or the Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia.
To read the amendment, click here.
For more information regarding this legislation or other AHI policy matters, contact:
Alexander Christofor, Legislative Director of the American Hellenic Institute | christofor@americanhellenicinstitute.org
The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) is a non-profit policy center and think tank founded in 1974 that promotes the interests of the United States in foreign affairs involving Greece, the Republic of Cyprus, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Southern Europe.
For media inquires, please contact us at (202) 785-8430 or pr@ahiworld.org.
For general information about the activities of AHI, please see our website at americanhellenicinstitute.org
