Erdogan Threats Escalate Regional Tensions Again
Greek officials are alarmed by Turkish President Erdogan's revival of confrontational rhetoric about Kastellorizo, fearing a return to tensions after a period of cautious dialogue.
According to Vassilis Nedos writing in Kathimerini (EN), Erdogan’s latest comments have triggered alarm in Athens that bilateral relations may be entering a new phase of heightened tension after a period of cautious dialogue between the two NATO allies.
Speaking to reporters following his return from the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Kyrgyzstan, Erdogan called on Greece to abandon what he described as the “wrong path” of militarizing islands that Turkey claims are subject to demilitarization agreements.
When asked how Ankara would respond if Athens continued its current defense posture, Erdogan replied with a thinly veiled threat. What must we do? What is our duty? To do whatever is necessary, he said, adding that if Turkey raised its voice from Kas, the Turkish town opposite Kastellorizo, Greece would hear it clearly.
Echoes of ‘One Night’ Threats
Greek officials have noted that the language used by Erdogan closely mirrors rhetoric employed by Ankara prior to February 2023, including oblique references to the possibility of sudden military action “one night,” a phrase that became synonymous with periods of acute friction between the two countries.
The Turkish position continues to center on disputed islets frequently characterized by Ankara as “gray zones,” as well as demands for the complete demilitarization of islands in the eastern Aegean that Greece maintains are legitimately defended under international law.
Turkish Intelligence Chief Visits Athens
Despite the growing unease, a recent visit to Athens by Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin did not include any ultimatum or specific demands regarding bilateral relations, according to information obtained by the Greek government.
Kalin met with Themistoklis Demiris, head of Greece’s National Intelligence Service, before both officials traveled to the office of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for further discussions. The talks reportedly covered Greek-Turkish relations as well as technical cooperation on organized crime. Kalin was described as reassuring and did not convey any urgent messaging.
Israel Factor and Marine Research Vessel
Greek officials have also connected Erdogan’s statements to Turkish concerns over deepening cooperation between Greece and Israel. Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated sharply in recent weeks, adding another layer of complexity to regional dynamics.
The Turkish comments followed the deployment of the research vessel Tubitak Marmara south of Kastellorizo, within an area Ankara has unilaterally designated as the “Fethiye-Kas National Marine Park.” Greek officials view the vessel’s presence as part of a broader pattern of provocations that includes Turkish diplomatic notes objecting to Athens’ new spatial planning framework for industry, which encompasses renewable energy development in the Aegean Sea.
The renewed escalation in rhetoric raises questions about the durability of the December 2024 joint declaration signed by Mitsotakis and Erdogan at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, in which both leaders committed to pursuing good neighborly relations.
With information from Kathimerini (EN)
