Striking F-16 claim from Kathimerini: Did the US provide the fighter jets with that condition?

A striking claim has been made regarding the F-16 fighter jets that Turkey purchased from the US. 

According to EuroNews, citing the Greek newspaper Kathimerini; it is alleged that the use of the F-16s purchased by Turkey over Greek islands has been restricted.

"THE F-16 PROGRAM COULD BE TERMINATED"

In its report, which Kathimerini based on reliable diplomatic sources, the newspaper wrote that the US Department of State notified the four relevant committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate of this condition in a letter whose contents are to be kept confidential.

The letter stated that if this condition is violated, the Department of State commits to taking the initiative to resolve the issue, and if the problem remains unresolved, the F-16 program will be terminated.

EMPHASIS ON S-400 AND F-35

The report noted that a similar development occurred when Ankara purchased S-400 missiles from Russia, leading to Turkey's removal from the F-35 program, in which it was a partner developer.

The newspaper also claimed that while the Greek government would normally want to see the contents of the letter as it is part of a more comprehensive agreement, Athens believes the text of the letter is likely satisfactory, based on assurances given by members of Congress who are friendly to Greece.

The report also emphasized that the condition imposed by the Department of State was primarily put in place to secure approval for the F-16 sale from members of Congress who are extremely skeptical of Turkey's activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and Ukraine.

News Source: 12punto