
Turkey’s Defense Minister Hulusi Akar unleashed new threats shortly before floating drilling rig Abdul Hamid Han’s departure from port for drilling in the Mediterranean.
The Minister of Defense of Turkey, in an ironic and undiplomatic way, targeted the Greek island of Kastelorizo once again.
Speaking at the conference of Turkish ambassadors taking place in Ankara, he referred to the distance of Kastelorizo from Turkey, saying that it is only 1,950 meters and military cadets could even just swim there.
In fact, referring to a Greek minister, who allegedly used the phrase used by King Leonidas of Sparta when facing the might of the Persian invading forces of Xerxes, that said “come and take them”, he replied “if God wills, this can also happen”.
He also mentioned the Greek militarized islands.
Read also – Greece is squeezing Turkey into a corner – Israel’s role and Erdogan’s accusations
All eyes on the Turkish drilling rig
Abdul Hamid Han begins its journey today, but with no clear destination. There are many who expect moves similar to those the research vessel Oruc Reis conducted in 2020, with the government, however, underlining in all tones that 2022 is not 2020, while clarifying that Athens is prepared for all eventualities. Turkish diplomats have made the same admission regarding the changes since 2020, pointing out that the geostrategic chessboard has changed dramatically.
The destination of the Turkish drilling rig remains under wraps, and in the near future it will be seen to what extent Erdogan wants to raise the tension in the Eastern Mediterranean, but also how much he wants to test the limits of NATO and the West. It is also certain that Abdul Hamid Han’s trip also serves internal political reasons in Turkey.
Three scenarios, three intensity levels
In the game that Erdogan is playing, there are three scenarios for Abdul Hamid’s voyage. The first which is the one which is considered to have the least chances but which will raise the tension exorbitantly is for the Turkish drilling rig to follow the course of OrucReis. A direct provocation – questioning the borders and sovereign rights of Greece, a NATO member country, by a NATO ally.
The other scenarios concern the possibility that rig will head towards the Cypriot EEZ. And either move to areas which the Republic of Cyprus has licensed for research, such as plot 6 for which there is also information about a large deposit, or to move to the area between Mersina and Kyrenia, which is the most “painless” scenario, despite still being nominally in Cypriot EEZ, but off the coast of the territory occupied by the Turkish Army.


Latest News

Motor Oil Results for 2024: Adjusted EBITDA of 995 mln€; Proposed Dividend of 1.4€ Per Share
Adjusted EBITDA for 2024 was down 33% yoy. The adjusted profit after tax for 2024 stood at 504 million euros, a 43% decrease from the previous year

Cost of Living: Why Greece’s 3% Inflation Is Raising Alarm
Greece appears to be in a more difficult position when it comes to price hikes, just as we enter the era of Trump’s tariffs.

Fitch Ratings Upgrades the Four Greek Systemic Banks
NBG’s upgrade reflects the bank’s ongoing improvements in its credit profile, Fitch notes in its report, including strong profitability, a reduction in non-performing exposures (NPEs), and lower credit losses

Trump to Announce Sweeping New Tariffs Wednesday, Global Retaliation Expected
With Trump's announcement just hours away, markets, businesses, and foreign governments are bracing for the fallout of one of the most aggressive shifts in U.S. trade policy in decades.

Inflation in Greece at 3.1% in March, Eurostat Reports
Average inflation in the eurozone settled at 2.2%, compared to 2.3% in February

Greece’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 8.6% in February
Despite the overall decline, unemployment remains higher among women and young people.

Jerry Kalogiratos Highlights Key Role of Energy Transition and Data Demand in LNG Outlook
Energy transition and the prospects of LNG were discussed at Capital Link’s 19th Annual International Maritime Forum, during a panel discussion with Jerry Kalogiratos (Capital Clean Energy Carriers Corp.)

Santorini Safe and Ready for a Dynamic Tourism Season
Authenticity, cultural heritage, and genuine experiences at the center of Santorini's new promotional campaign

Electricity Bills: Greece Announces Reduced Tariffs Schedule
Greece will now offer lower electricity rates between 11:00-15:00 and 02:00-04:00

Chevron Confirms Eyeing Natural Gas Exploration South of Crete
Chevron recently declared its intent to explore a third area, south of the Peloponnese.