Escalating Greek-Turkish tensions raise heightened concerns, fuel war scenarios

The escalation of tensions between Turkey and Greece has reached a point that goes far beyond longstanding fears of a Greek-Turkish military accident, and the prospect of a full-fledged war between the two NATO countries is now being discussed in the Turkish, Greek, and international press - and is brought up in the statements of the two countries' leaders.

A Greek-Turkish war, by all appearances, is no longer unthinkable, and analysts are pondering what could possibly defuse the growing hostility.

The same concerns are preoccupying diplomats in Athens and Ankara, regardless of the fact that each side lays the blame for the worsening situation on the other.

Editorial: Message of deterrence to Turkey

The recurring appearance of the word war in the media and, directly or indirectly, in the statements of top officials, has raised heightened concerns even among the calmest observers.

Mitsotakis: 'catalytic' response to a possible Turkish attack

When asked about the alarming prospect at a televised 11 September news conference at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) - where PMs traditionally hold their most important and exhaustive presser of the year - Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis replied: "I do not think that can happen. Yet, even if it were to occur, Turkey would receive a response that would be absolutely catalytic."

Nevertheless, Athens takes Ankara's threats very seriously.

Turkey's bellicose rhetoric, threats and a possible 'accident'

Although a conflagration under the conditions shaped by the Russian invasion of Ukraine is considered unlikely, as it would risk the crucial objective of solid NATO unity, the escalating, ever more bellicose rhetoric creates an explosive...