Turkey to Impose Restrictions on Warships' Access to Black Sea

Turkey is set to impose restrictions on the passage of non-littoral warships through its straits, in accordance with the Montreux Convention.

The Montreux Convention, adopted in 1936, grants Turkey the authority to regulate the passage of warships through its straits, particularly the Bosporus and Dardanelles.

This latest announcement by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense underscores Turkey's commitment to upholding the convention's provisions and its importance in safeguarding security in the region.

The Turkish Ministry of National Defense officially announced these measures on Thursday, October 19.

According to Ankara, these restrictions are vital to ensuring balance and stability in the Black Sea, particularly in the wake of Russia's military operations in Ukraine.

Since the start of the Russian military intervention in Ukraine, Turkey had already restricted the passage of warships through its straits.

Notably, James Stavridis, the former Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, had previously suggested that the United States and NATO allies could escort grain-carrying ships in the Black Sea.

Under the Montreux Convention, warships from non-littoral states are prohibited from remaining in the Black Sea for more than three weeks, except in exceptional cases.

Turkey also retains the right to levy fees on passing vessels for services such as lighthouses, salvage, and medical assistance.