Turkey is pursuing an aggressive and destabilising policy in the Eastern Mediterranean, supporting terrorist organisations and violating international law. In an article for Modern Diplomacy dated 24 April 2025, Gerald Walkes analyses Turkey’s actions that threaten regional security and critical energy infrastructure, at a time when Greece, Cyprus, and Israel are strengthening their alliance and seeking support from the United States to counter the Turkish threat.
Full article below:
Turkey’s increasingly assertive and destabilizing foreign policy plays a major role in the Eastern Mediterranean, posing significant threats to neighboring countries as well as Western interests. The Eastern Mediterranean’s strategic location, vast energy resources, and combination of alliances and rivalries along its shores have made it a critical arena for regional security—and Turkey is trying to assert itself. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan actively works to support terrorist organizations and disrupt vital energy infrastructure in the region. This is partly why the trilateral partnership between Israel, Greece, and Cyprus has become a cornerstone for regional stability. These countries are hoping a U.S.-backed defense alliance will help counter Turkey’s aggression.
Turkey’s open support for terrorist organizations, particularly its backing of Sunni extremist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood and Syrian militias, mirrors Iran’s support for Shi’ite groups like Hezbollah and others. Turkey has also provided a haven for Hamas, and Turkish-backed Syrian proxies have been accused of atrocities in Syria’s Latakia and Tartus regions. Turkey is purposely using non-state actors as a deliberate strategy to extend its influence and destabilize its neighbors.
Naturally, Greece, Cyprus, and Israel view this regional instability as a direct threat, as it undermines their efforts to combat terrorism and maintain regional peace.
Turkey is also engaged in propaganda campaigns, political lobbying, and support for networks abroad that align with Erdogan’s geopolitical interests. Turkey backs the Muslim Brotherhood, whose senior members operate from Istanbul. This is alarming to Egypt, which sees Ankara’s involvement as a direct threat. Turkey has also affected Libya’s internal affairs, as Turkey’s military intervention in support of the Government of National Accord (GNA) shifted the balance of power against Egypt-backed forces.
These influence operations are not limited to the Middle East; Turkey actively seeks to shape narratives in Europe and the United States, portraying itself as a victim of Western hostility while advancing its expansionist agenda. Not surprisingly, Eastern Mediterranean nations are concerned about Turkey’s destabilization of the region through both covert and overt actions.
Turkey’s provocations have prompted Greece, Cyprus, and Israel to create their partnership as part of their effort to counter Turkey’s hostility in the region. Mainly rooted in energy cooperation, the alliance has evolved into a broader strategic partnership that includes security, defense, and intelligence sharing. The growing threat from Turkey amplifies the need for such an alliance backed by the United States military, which would enhance deterrence and provide a unified front against Turkey’s aggression in the region.
Turkey directly threatens major energy infrastructure projects, such as the Great Sea Interconnector and the Eastern Mediterranean pipeline, which are central to the region’s economy and security. The Great Sea Interconnector, which aims to link the power grids of Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, promises to enhance energy security and reduce Europe’s reliance on non-reliable suppliers. Similarly, the Eastern Mediterranean pipeline (EastMed) seeks to transport natural gas from Israeli and Cypriot fields to Europe.
However, Turkey views these projects as a challenge to its own regional hegemonic ambitions. In fact, through its 2019 maritime deal with Libya’s GNA, and in an attempt to assert control over contested waters, Turkey delineated an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that cuts across Greek and Cypriot waters, disregarding international maritime law and the rights of Greek islands like Crete and Rhodes. By doing so, Turkey directly threatens the economic viability and security of the region’s energy infrastructure.
Turkey’s aim is to sideline regional rival countries and assert complete dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and Egypt, as well as France and the UAE, have condemned Turkey’s actions as violations of international law. Turkey’s military posturing raises the chances of a direct confrontation with NATO allies like Greece.
Turkey’s aggressive actions demand a coordinated and strong response. Israel, Cyprus, and Greece can provide stability in the region, but only if their alliance is backed fully by the United States. This would deter Erdogan and safeguard the critical energy infrastructures from any disruption.
Turkey continues to support terrorist organizations while challenging international norms. The United States must recognize the need to enforce regional security and must act decisively without delay. Otherwise, the Eastern Mediterranean will quickly become a zone of conflict instead of a zone of cooperation.
Also read: 6.2 magnitude earthquake hit Istanbul leaving 236 injured
Photo source: GIS
Source: Modern Diplomacy
