Philenews

Turkey's Aggressive Stance and Next Moves in the Eastern Mediterranean

Published January 4, 2026, 05:02
Turkey's Aggressive Stance and Next Moves in the Eastern Mediterranean

Turkey is demonstrating increasing assertiveness and frustration in its foreign policy, seeking to regain 'lost ground' in the Eastern Mediterranean and impose its own terms. Ankara is attempting to undermine cooperation between Cyprus and Greece, using pressure, blackmail, and military superiority. Specifically, it is exerting strong pressure on Syria to accelerate hydrocarbon exploration and reach an agreement on the delimitation of the EEZ, following the Cyprus-Lebanon agreement. The Turkish Minister of Energy has stated that Turkey aims to sign an agreement with Syria by 2026 for hydrocarbon exploration off the Syrian coast. However, discussions appear to be more focused on drilling in the Syrian hinterland. Syria, after a rapprochement with the US and Saudi Arabia, is showing greater autonomy in its relations with Turkey, without being relieved of its dependencies. Turkey's insistence on an agreement with Syria is attributed to an effort to shape a new situation in the Eastern Mediterranean that will serve its own interests and promote the ambitious 'Blue Homeland' plan. Ankara appears to be reacting strongly to any move it perceives as undermining its plans in the region. Overall, Turkey is in a phase of heightened tension and aggression, trying to expand its influence in the Eastern Mediterranean and counter developments it considers threatening. The situation remains fluid and requires careful monitoring and diplomatic engagement.