Diplomatic tensions rise over Patriot missile deployment on Karpathos

Greece has deployed a Patriot missile battery to the island of Karpathos, citing the need to strengthen air defenses against potential threats in the region. The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded by labeling the deployment as an unfortunate and untimely action, arguing it violates the demilitarized status of the Eastern Aegean and Dodecanese islands established by the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne and the 1947 Treaty of Paris. Ankara accused unnamed parties of attempting to poison Greek-Turkish relations and create a new fait accompli. Simultaneously, the Turkish Ministry of Defense issued a statement affirming its commitment to the Turkish Cypriots, reiterating its role as a guarantor power in Cyprus. Turkey warned that it remains prepared to take necessary actions to ensure the safety of Turkish Cypriots. Athens dismissed Turkish objections regarding the Aegean islands as baseless. The deployment is viewed by some sources as a response to regional instability and Iranian threats against U.S. assets.