Turkey raises concerns over Greek missile deployment on Karpathos with NATO, US and EU Greek City Times

Turkey has reportedly lodged formal complaints with NATO, the United States and the European Union over Greece’s decision to deploy air defence missile systems on the southeastern Aegean island of Karpathos, amid rising regional tensions.

According to a report by Turkish newspaper Milliyet, Ankara has sent letters to key international partners, arguing that Athens is attempting to exploit the current geopolitical climate — particularly following the US-Israel strikes on Iran — to alter the military status of the Aegean islands.

Turkish officials claim the move violates the longstanding demilitarised status of certain islands, an issue that has been a recurring point of dispute between the two NATO allies.

“Diplomatic sources stated that Turkiye has brought Greece’s arming of the islands to international attention,” Milliyet reported, adding that the matter was formally communicated to NATO, the EU and Washington in recent days.

Athens has firmly rejected the allegations, describing them as “unfounded” and reiterating that Greece retains the sovereign right to defend its territory.

Greek authorities have in recent weeks moved to strengthen defensive measures, citing concerns over potential regional spillover following escalating tensions in the Middle East. This includes fears of possible retaliatory actions targeting Western-linked military facilities, including US bases operating in Greece.

The issue underscores the fragile balance in the Aegean, where longstanding disputes between Greece and Turkey continue to intersect with broader geopolitical developments.