Tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean continue to rise as the Turkish Ministry of National Defense issued fresh warnings over alleged violations in the Aegean, while the European Union is reportedly urging progress on the planned electricity interconnection between Greece and Cyprus.
In an extensive statement, Turkey warned that it is taking “all necessary measures” in response to what it claims are violations of air and maritime space in the Aegean Sea. At the same time, Ankara announced the further strengthening of its military capabilities in the occupied northern part of Cyprus.
Turkish officials stressed that Ankara would not allow any actions that it believes threaten the interests, security or sovereign rights of Turkish Cypriots.
Accusations against Greece over treaty violations
During the Turkish defense ministry’s weekly press briefing, spokesperson Admiral Zeki Aktürk repeated Ankara’s long-standing claim that certain islands in the Aegean were ceded to Greece under strict demilitarization conditions.
Turkey specifically referred to the islands of Lemnos and Karpathos, arguing that their status is defined by the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923 and the Treaty of Paris of 1947.
According to Ankara, these treaties require the islands to remain demilitarized, linking sovereignty to the obligation of maintaining that status.
“The violation of this status constitutes a breach of legally concluded agreements and harms good neighborly relations between allied countries,” the Turkish ministry said.
“Unacceptable moves” among NATO allies
The Turkish defense ministry described Greece’s recent military deployments as “unacceptable”, particularly given that both countries are members of NATO.
Officials argued that such actions risk increasing tensions at a time when the region is already facing significant security challenges.
“We declare that we do not accept these actions, which aim to exploit the crises in our region, and we are taking all necessary measures in response,” the ministry stated.
Military strengthening in northern Cyprus
Responding to questions from journalists, the Turkish ministry confirmed that it has reinforced military capabilities in the occupied north of Cyprus, citing growing instability in the wider Middle East.
According to Ankara, the deployment of additional air force units and advanced air-defense systems aims to strengthen deterrence and improve the ability to respond rapidly to potential threats.
Turkish officials said these measures are linked to regional developments, including missile and drone threats connected to ongoing conflicts involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
Warning over Turkish Cypriot rights
Concluding the briefing, the Turkish ministry reiterated its position that Turkey remains a guarantor power in Cyprus and would act to protect the interests of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Officials insisted that the military measures taken by Ankara are legal and necessary to maintain stability in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey also warned that it would not tolerate actions it views as hostile or aimed at undermining the rights of Turkish Cypriots, adding that it would not hesitate to exercise the powers it believes derive from its guarantor role.
The developments come amid increasing geopolitical tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, as regional powers bolster their military presence and the European Union pushes forward with strategic energy and infrastructure projects linking Greece and Cyprus.
