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- Some outlets portray Greek and Cypriot initiatives as attempts to establish new facts in maritime areas claimed by Ankara.
- Several reports link the exercise to planned Great Sea Interconnector geophysical surveys west of Cyprus, though diplomatic sources deny any connection.
- A Haber warns tensions could escalate on 22 October, while Sözcü highlights the NAVTEX dispute and Ankara’s stated readiness to defend its rights.
- Akşam and Türkgün adopt confrontational tones, warning against underestimating Greece and Israel and portraying the situation as a broader regional confrontation.
Turkey-Greece tensions are dominating Turkish media coverage, with newspapers linking the multinational Eunomia military exercise to planned undersea cable surveys and the dispute over maritime zones in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Several Turkish outlets portray Greek and Cypriot initiatives as attempts to establish new facts on the ground in maritime areas claimed by Ankara. Some commentators have warned of possible military escalation, while pro-government publications have promoted claims that Greece and Israel are coordinating against Turkey.
However, reports also cite diplomatic sources denying that the military exercise is connected to the planned cable surveys.
Türkiye calls it the ‘hottest week’ for the Blue Homeland
The pro-government newspaper Türkiye describes the coming days as a critical period for Turkey’s claims in the Eastern Mediterranean, running the front-page headline “The hottest week for the Blue Homeland”.
In an accompanying report, titled “Under the pretext of an exercise, they are testing the red line: Blue Homeland warning to Athens and Nicosia”, the newspaper presents Greek and Cypriot initiatives as possible attempts to establish facts in maritime areas claimed by Ankara.
Defence analyst Turan Oğuz links the multinational military presence in the region to the possibility of undersea cable surveys taking place during the exercise.
He argues that if a survey vessel enters the disputed area under the protection of the military exercise, this could be interpreted as an operation backed by the armed forces of four countries.
According to Oğuz, Ankara would closely monitor developments and take countermeasures to prevent activities it considers violations of its rights.
The report links these concerns to planned geophysical surveys for the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) cable system west of Cyprus, scheduled for 21 October to 2 November.
However, Türkiye also cites diplomatic sources who deny any connection between the military exercise and the undersea cable work.
A Haber warns of a possible incident on 22 October
Turkish broadcaster A Haber describes the Eunomia exercise as a “new provocation by Athens in the Mediterranean under the pretext of a military exercise”.
Correspondent İlhan Tahsin criticises what he portrays as a discrepancy between Greece’s rhetoric about good relations with Turkey and its actions in the Eastern Mediterranean.
He places the exercise within a broader framework of energy and political cooperation between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, suggesting that the initiatives directly affect Turkish interests.
Tahsin singles out 22 October as a date when tensions could rise or an incident could occur. This is presented as his assessment, rather than a confirmed forecast of events.
Sözcü highlights the NAVTEX dispute
The opposition newspaper Sözcü also focuses on the maritime dispute, publishing the headline “Athens is testing the red line! The NAVTEX move that mobilised Ankara”.
Its report presents the parallel military and survey activities as a potential source of renewed tension in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The newspaper distinguishes between military exercises in international waters and seabed surveys in areas where Turkey claims continental shelf rights.
Quoting Oğuz, it argues that conducting military exercises in international waters is different from carrying out seabed surveys in a disputed area.
Despite its confrontational headline, Sözcü also reports the diplomatic denial of a link between the exercise and the cable surveys. Citing Türkiye, it says diplomatic sources rejected reports that the exercise was directed against Turkey or linked to undersea cable work.
The sources also reiterated Ankara’s position that Turkey would defend its rights and interests under international law.
Akşam columnist warns against underestimating Greece and Israel
Akşam columnist Oğuzhan Bilgin adopts a more confrontational tone in an article titled “How seriously should we take the threats from Israel and Greece?”
Bilgin argues that Greece’s and Israel’s actions should not be dismissed as publicity or statements intended for domestic political audiences. He criticises retired military personnel and commentators in Turkey whom he accuses of underestimating the potential threat.
He presents Greece’s military reinforcement of its islands and Cyprus as part of a broader strategic picture involving cooperation with Israel.
Bilgin also links the possibility of Greece extending its territorial waters to 12 nautical miles to the area covered by the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum, arguing that such a move could affect Turkish claims.
The columnist describes Greece and Israel as “irrational regimes” and portrays their positions towards Turkey as long-standing elements of state policy, rather than temporary choices by their current governments.
He argues that Ankara should not rule out the possibility of military action, even if the balance of power appears to act as a deterrent. Drawing comparisons with Iran, he suggests that a potential conflict would not necessarily take the form of a conventional land war.
Bilgin concludes by calling for greater strategic vigilance and stronger international alliances for Turkey.
Türkgün portrays another confrontation in the Eastern Mediterranean
The newspaper Türkgün features the headline “Confrontation in the Eastern Mediterranean”, accompanied by the subheading “Turkey and Greece face each other once again”.
It portrays Athens as attempting to challenge maritime zones claimed by Turkey and to involve France and Italy in the dispute.
The newspaper describes Ankara’s response as a new, strong warning to Greece and links the Eunomia exercise to preparations for the undersea electricity cable.
It argues that the activities overlap with an area Turkey considers part of its continental shelf. The publication also highlights Greece’s position that it does not need Ankara’s permission for activities in areas under Greek jurisdiction.
Türkgün gives prominence to a warning from Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli, quoting him as saying that it would be a serious mistake for Athens to challenge Turkey’s vital interests.
Oda TV republishes Türkiye report
Oda TV has also covered the issue under the headline “Blue Homeland warning to Athens and Nicosia”.
However, the outlet does not offer additional analysis or new commentary. Instead, it republishes Türkiye’s report, attributing the information to journalist Yeşim Eraslan.
Also read: GSI awaits Greek NAVTEX, Cyprus to release €25 million
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