01.04.2026 07:00
Discussions about the planned NATO Corps Headquarters in Turkey have come to the forefront on social media with claims of "a base being established at the Bosphorus." Security sources stated that these claims are disinformation, emphasizing that a NATO unit will not be established under foreign command. It was expressed that Turkey will act without compromising the principles of Montreux and regional ownership in the Black Sea.
Discussions regarding the planned "NATO Multinational Corps Headquarters" in Turkey have recently come to the public's attention with various claims. In particular, security sources made statements in response to the circulating claims on social media that "a NATO base is being established in the Istanbul Strait."
Ministry of National Defense: WORK BEGAN IN 2023
The Ministry of National Defense announced last week that work has begun to establish a "Corps Headquarters" within the framework of the "NATO Southeast Regional Plan" in 2023. The ministry stated that this intention was officially communicated to NATO in 2024.
“CONCEPTS ARE BEING CONFUSED, DISINFORMATION IS BEING SPREAD”
According to a report by Yeşim Erarslan from Türkiye Newspaper, security sources emphasized that the claims circulating in the public do not reflect the truth, stating that different military activities are being confused either consciously or unconsciously. In the assessment, it was noted that "concepts are being mixed up because many activities are being carried out together, and this leads to disinformation."
“THERE IS NO NATO UNIT UNDER FOREIGN COMMAND”
Sources clearly stated that there is no plan to establish a NATO unit under foreign command in Turkey. It was emphasized that Turkey has conducted its activities in the Black Sea so far within the framework of the principle of regional ownership and the Montreux Convention, and this sensitivity will be maintained.
MONTREUX EMPHASIS: NO COMPROMISE
The statement indicated that military activities in the Black Sea will only be managed by the coastal countries. While it was expressed that all NATO or non-NATO activities will be carried out within this framework, it was noted that other countries can only be provided with equipment, personnel, and training support.