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Turkish Press Views Dendias' Statements as 'Challenges,' 'Threats,' and 'Deliberate Escalation'

Published January 23, 2026, 11:13
Turkish Press Views Dendias' Statements as 'Challenges,' 'Threats,' and 'Deliberate Escalation'

The Turkish press is commenting on Defense Minister Nikos Dendias' interview with OPEN TV with a sharp and accusatory tone, focusing on his statements regarding the expansion of Greek territorial waters. Turkish media outlets characterize the Greek Defense Minister's positions as 'challenging' and 'aggressive,' arguing that they aim to escalate tensions in the Aegean and test Turkish reflexes. Specifically, the Turkiye newspaper accuses Dendias of 'overstepping the bounds' with his statements, portraying him as a politician who 'openly threatens' Turkey. The Turkish press also refers to Dendias' rejection of the Turkish position on casus belli, characterizing his stance as a 'provocation.' The criticism focuses on the view that Greece is seeking to change the status quo in the Aegean and challenge Turkish rights. The Turkish press recalls that Greece has already expanded its territorial waters in the Ionian Sea and expresses fears that it will follow the same pattern in the Aegean. The expansion of territorial waters is considered by Turkey as an action that could lead to a serious crisis in relations between the two countries. The Turkish side insists that the issue of territorial waters should remain open for negotiation. The strong reaction from the Turkish press indicates the sensitivity that exists in Turkey regarding the issue of territorial waters in the Aegean and its determination to defend its positions. The escalation of rhetoric from the Turkish side may lead to further tension in relations with Greece and complicate efforts to find a sustainable solution to bilateral issues.