Turkish media: Greece is playing with fire in the Aegean

With tension and suspicion as common themes, the Turkish media revisits recent statements and actions by Athens, focusing more on their political impact and the messages of power that, from the Turkish perspective, are being conveyed to Ankara.

The Turkish media portrays a narrative where Greece seems to be escalating rhetorically and legally in the Aegean Sea, while being strategically pressured by Ankara's long-term actions at sea and in the air.

The issues that the Turkish press comments on are the following:

1. Gerapetritis' statements on the expansion of Greek territorial waters in the Aegean
2. Turkish NAVTEX and the 25th meridian
3. Greece's defensive pressure in the Aegean
4. Ankara's long-term planning until 2027
5. Turkey's acquisition of Eurofighter Typhoon

Sözcü: "Greece is playing with fire in the Aegean."

In an accusatory tone, the opposition Sözcü describes the Greek positions on territorial waters as a deliberate escalation tactic. The newspaper doesn't just report the facts but directly remarks that Athens is "playing with fire," linking these statements to a broader plan for 2026.

Particular emphasis is placed on the wording of Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, which Sözcü presents as unilateral and non-negotiable: "the expansion of Greece's territorial waters in the Aegean Sea to 12 miles constitutes an 'inalienable right' of Greece," noting that "Athens will unilaterally decide on the timetable for this decision."

Star: "Turkey's NAVTEX upset the balance"

The pro-government Star adopts an ironic and smug tone, focusing more on the Greek reaction than on the Turkish NAVTEX itself.

Star's commentary highlights Athens' "upset" reaction to the Turkish move.

The media outlet emphasizes that the Greek media described the development as “unusual” and a move that forces Greece to remain on a state of defensive alert.

Milliyet: “Two years of Turkish encirclement in the Aegean.”

In a confidently triumphant tone, Milliyet portrays the situation in the Aegean as the result of a successful Turkish strategy with a horizon extending to 2027.

The article emphasizes Greek reactions to support the narrative of “encirclement.” The newspaper cites descriptions from the Greek press, according to which Greece “remains under constant pressure in the Aegean and is trapped in a defensive position.”

Particular attention is given to the description of the Turkish NAVTEX as “unusually long-term,” as well as to the comment that this move was made “in a manner visible to all NATO allies.”

Türkiye: "Urgent signal from Athens for Eurofighters."

The newspaper Türkiye shifts focus from the Aegean Sea to the air, commenting on how the Greek press responded to developments surrounding the Eurofighter Typhoon.

According to the publication, “the Greek press expressed its concern about Turkey’s moves in the field of air power,” noting that Ankara “proceeded much faster than expected” in acquiring the fighter jets.

Türkiye does not hide its satisfaction with the climate of concern it attributes to Athens, presenting the Turkish acceleration as a strategic surprise.

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