Turkish Ministry of Defense reiterates positions on Aegean and Cyprus

On September 24, 2026, the Turkish Ministry of National Defense held its weekly press briefing, where it reiterated longstanding positions regarding the Aegean Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Cyprus. Ankara stated that it is closely monitoring the movements of Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, asserting that it is taking necessary measures to protect its national interests and security.

The ministry specifically referenced the demilitarized status of the Eastern Aegean islands, citing the Treaties of Lausanne and Paris. Turkish officials argued that Greek defense activities and efforts to formalize them do not alter the legal status of the region. Furthermore, the briefing included remarks concerning the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electrical interconnection project and voiced concerns over the defensive cooperation and military procurement policies of the Republic of Cyprus.

While Ankara expressed a desire for dialogue and good neighborly relations, it simultaneously warned Greece against actions that could potentially undermine regional peace and stability. Some reports, such as those from local Greek-Cypriot media, characterize the Turkish rhetoric as an attempt to pressure neighboring states to halt their strategic military and energy partnerships.