Akshay DidwaniyaTurkey plans to keep blocking warships from passing through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits as tensions rise in the Black Sea
Turkey plans to keep blocking warships from crossing the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. This comes as tensions continue building in the Black Sea region.
The source spoke directly about Ankara’s stance on military vessels.
“Turkey intends to firmly stick to its position on warships passing through the straits. They added that avoiding further escalation in the Black Sea matters greatly right now.”
Why Turkey Is Sticking To This Stance
This policy is not random. It rests on Turkey’s need to protect the straits’ existing legal setup. It also helps maintain stability across the wider region, according to the source.
The source then pointed to the treaty behind this entire approach:
“Montreux Convention remains the key international agreement governing warship passage. Turkey will continue honoring the duties this treaty requires.”
Pressure From NATO Members
The pro government newspaper Türkiye reported something interesting earlier. Several NATO countries have reportedly been pushing Ankara. They want easier, freer passage for warships through the Bosphorus and Dardanelles.
This issue has grown more urgent lately. The ongoing Ukraine conflict plays a role here. Shipping risks in the region have also added pressure to the debate.
Turkey’s Closure Has Lasted Years
Turkey first used its Montreux Convention powers back in 2022. Since then, it has kept the Bosphorus and Dardanelles closed to warship traffic. This single move has shaped Black Sea dynamics for years now.
Turkey’s Defense Ministry has repeated one point often. Officials say this closure has helped keep the region stable throughout this period. That reasoning still drives the government’s current position today.
Back in August, Turkey even floated closing the straits further. Drone attacks near the waterways had raised fresh safety concerns at that time.
Pratik Agrawal
Mayur Mohta
Aditya Didwaniya
