Ankara is escalating its provocative rhetoric regarding Cyprus, reviving the narrative of the pseudo-state and threatening to create a fait accompli in the Eastern Mediterranean.

In yet another high-tension episode in Greek-Turkish and in the Cyprus issue, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan sharply reinstates his strategic rhetoric through the Turkish National Security Council, which sends a clear message regarding Cyprus and the situation in the occupied territories. Ankara, amid regional realignments in the Eastern Mediterranean, insists on referring to the so-called “TRNC” and warns that it will not allow any development it considers a fait accompli at the expense of the Turkish Cypriots, bringing the hardline stance of Turkish foreign policy back into the spotlight. The Council’s new communiqué , under the chairmanship of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, places the Cyprus issue within the broader context of Greek-Turkish relations and geopolitical balances in the region, heightening concerns about the course of diplomatic developments.

A special reference to Cyprus and the pseudo-state is made in the communiqué of the Turkish National Security Council, which met today, Thursday, under the chairmanship of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

The threats

In a statement issued immediately after the meeting, it is noted that “Turkey, in its capacity as a guarantor state, is capable and determined to take every measure within the framework of international law to ensure the security, the peace and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots.” In this context, the Council emphatically underscores that “no fait accompli that would harm the rights and interests of the ‘TRNC’ and disrupt the climate of peace in the Eastern Mediterranean will be permitted.”

The full statement:

The National Security Council met on June 18, 2026, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic of Turkey, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

During the meeting:

1.Information was presented to the council regarding the activities being carried out with dedication, determination, and success, both within and outside the country, against every kind of threat and danger directed against our national unity, solidarity, and existence [or survival], primarily against the terrorist organizations PKK/KCK-PYD/YPG, FETÖ, and DAESH, as well as regarding recent international developments.

2. The efforts underway to achieve the goals of “Turkey Without Terrorism” and the “Region Without Terrorism” were evaluated, which are of critical importance for the future of our country and our region, and the strong determination to free our nation and our neighbors from the heavy burden of terrorism was reaffirmed.

3. Operations carried out as part of the fight against organized crime were reviewed, and it was emphasized that the measures taken to ensure the absolute preservation of peace and security for all our citizens—first and foremost our children and youth—will continue with determination.

4. It was emphasized that Turkey, in its capacity as a guarantor state, is capable and determined to take every measure within the framework of international law to ensure the security, the peace and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriots. It was noted that no fait accompli that would harm the rights and interests of the “TRNC” and disrupt the climate of peace in the Eastern Mediterranean would be permitted.

5. Satisfaction was expressed regarding the agreement reached between Iran and the U.S., and the importance of not disrupting the progress of the process was emphasized. It was noted that Turkey will continue to actively contribute to efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.

6. It was noted that the progress made toward establishing peace, stability, and tranquility in Syria, and it was emphasized that our support for efforts to strengthen Syria’s unity and integrity, as well as for its development, will continue.

7. It was noted that the aggressive actions of the Israeli Administration, which continues to violate the ceasefire in Gaza, the terrorism perpetrated by settlers in the West Bank, the attacks against the status of East Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and its infringement upon Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, are negatively affecting efforts to establish peace and stability in the region.

The international community is called upon to take a principled stand against the persistent stance of the Israeli Administration, which flouts universal human values and international law.

8. We reaffirmed our strong commitment to continuing the strategic cooperation that has been established with Iraq in all sectors, and with the new Iraqi government. We emphasized our support for maintaining a climate of stability and security in Iraq.

9. We reviewed the current situation in the Russia-Ukraine war and called on the parties responsible for the escalation and spread of the conflict, particularly in the Black Sea, to take immediate measures toward a just and lasting peace.

10. The course of developments across the African continent was assessed; and it was noted that Turkey will continue to support the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of friendly and brotherly African countries, as well as the establishment of peace, stability, and prosperity on the continent.

11. Current developments aimed at strengthening peace, stability, and cooperation in the South Caucasus were discussed.