Tensions rise as Turkey challenges Greek military presence on Aegean islands

On September 16, 2026, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan renewed accusations against Greece regarding the military presence on islands with a demilitarized status. Speaking in Damascus, Fidan claimed that the militarization of these islands poses a security threat to Turkey and warned that Greece should not act as a tool for regional destabilization. He stated that Ankara maintains serious sensitivities regarding this issue and that these concerns have been conveyed to Athens.

In response, Greek Foreign Ministry spokesperson Panagiotis Giannakoulias rejected these claims as detached from reality. He emphasized that Greece conducts its foreign policy independently and maintains the right to defend its sovereign territory in accordance with international norms. The Greek side further highlighted that Ankara continues to maintain a "casus belli" (threat of war) policy regarding Greece's exercise of its sovereign rights. The exchange reflects the enduring diplomatic friction between the two nations over Aegean sovereignty and security policies.