20.08.2026 08:00
The escalating US-Iran tension in the Middle East and the changing security architecture have created deep concern in neighboring Greece. The Greek press wrote that a possible American withdrawal would further strengthen Turkey's hand in the region and that this scenario could have devastating consequences for Greece and Israel.
The Greek press, examining the shifting balances in the Middle East, wrote that the decline of US influence in the region would open up a major area of maneuver for Turkey.
In a comprehensive report published by the Greece-based analysis and news platform Militaire, it was emphasized that the Washington administration made a major strategic mistake by underestimating Iran's capabilities.
"IRAN TURNED OUT STRONGER THAN EXPECTED, NEW SECURITY PURSUITS HAVE BEGUN"
The analysis noted that the Tehran administration displayed a much more resilient structure than anticipated in the current crisis and moved into an advantageous position, and drew attention to the fact that this fracture in the Middle East pushed regional countries toward new pursuits. It was reported that, especially after the moves of the US and Israel, Gulf countries felt the need to establish a local security mechanism.
At this point, the report highlighted the new security agreement (Mecca Agreement) taking shape between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan, stating that this alliance aims to fill the void left by the US in the Persian Gulf.
EMPHASIS ON TURKEY'S DEFENSE INDUSTRY
The report also devoted extensive coverage to Ankara's moves for the post-war period. It was stated that Turkey had greatly strengthened its hand by building a massive production base and a domestic defense industry. It was noted that this capacity elevated Turkey to the position of a "natural security provider" and an indispensable partner for countries with great economic power but security gaps, such as Saudi Arabia.
"TEL AVIV AND ATHENS WILL BE THE BIGGEST LOSERS"
The report warned that this power shift in the region would leave Greece facing new and serious threats, and included the following striking statements:
"For Greece, the problem is broader in scope. A possible US withdrawal from critical geopolitical systems opens up more space for regional powers. While Turkey sees this process as a window of opportunity, Tel Aviv and Athens will be in the position of the biggest losers."
BITTER CONFESSION FROM GREECE: WE FELL BEHIND BY DECADES
While it was stated that the Athens government needed to form strong alliances in the face of Turkey's rising influence, criticism was made that Greece had so far only pursued "improvised and low-intensity" policies. The analysis, which admitted that the Greek state had relied only on the tourism and real estate sectors, concluded with these self-critical words:
"In response to Turkey, Greece fell behind by decades. Its political system did not develop a long-term strategy against Turkey, did not establish a significant defense industry, and did not rebuild the country's production capacity beyond tourism and real estate. During the same period, Turkey made significant breakthroughs in production."