US House of Representatives members Gus Bilirakis and Brad Schneider have sent a letter to the US State Department expressing their concerns over claims that Türkiye may deploy Russian-made S-400 air defense systems in Syria. The lawmakers warned that the move could escalate regional tensions and harm US security interests, according to the Greek-based Kathimerini newspaper.
Key Concerns and Regional Security Risks in the Letter
In their letter, the lawmakers stressed that Türkiye’s deployment of the S-400s to Syria would mark a dangerous escalation and have serious consequences for Israel’s security, the credibility of U.S. sanctions enforcement, and the U.S. deterrence posture. They said the move would “reward Türkiye’s strategic defiance” and “send a troubling message” to allies and rivals alike.
The letter emphasized that the reintroduction of Russian systems into Syrian territory, regardless of the operator of the system, would fundamentally change the regional air defense balance. In particular, if the systems were deployed along Syria’s western corridor, it could severely restrict Israel’s operations against Iranian assets or Hezbollah supply routes. It was stated that this would reduce Israel’s operational flexibility in the region and erode the technical basis of the qualitative advantage that the US has long worked to maintain. It also expressed concern that uncertainty around the system operators (whether they will be operated by Turkish personnel, Syrian or proxy forces) would further increase tensions and risk direct conflict with Israeli forces or reduce US visibility and influence in the region.
CAATSA Sanctions and Türkiye's Regional Activities
The lawmakers argued that the idea of removing the system from Türkiye to address risks triggered by Türkiye’s purchase of the S-400s under CAATSA sanctions was both legally and strategically flawed, with sanctions applying regardless of where the system is deployed.
The letter also raised allegations that Türkiye contributes to regional instability. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was accused of using F-16s to violate Greek and Greek Cypriot airspace, hosting Hamas leaders and severing diplomatic and trade ties with Israel. The lawmakers argued that this issue should be addressed in a much broader context than just an air defense system or a bilateral dispute.
The Role of the Greek Press and the “Turkish Diplomatic Reorganization Act”
The fact that the letter was closely followed by the Greek press is considered a striking detail. Gus Bilirakis and Brad Schneider, who wrote the letter, had previously written an article accusing Türkiye of being hostile towards the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus and Greece. They then submitted a bill called the “Turkey Diplomatic Realignment Act” to the parliament.
This bill calls for Türkiye’s position in the US Department of State to be changed from the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs to the New Bureau of Oriental Affairs. This change aims to place Türkiye in the same diplomatic zone as Iran, Syria and Libya. This situation creates new potential for tension in relations between Turkey and the US and is seen as a reflection of concerns in the US about Türkiye’s regional role.
Potential for New Tension in US-Türkiye Relations
The possible deployment of the S-400s to Syria creates a new potential for tension in US-Turkey relations. The concerns of US lawmakers on this issue add a new dimension to the existing problematic relations between the two countries. The allegations and accusations expressed in the letter reveal deep concerns in the US regarding Türkiye’s regional policies. This situation raises important questions regarding the future of the strategic partnership between the two countries.
