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Turkish security sources issued a direct rebuttal on Tuesday to claims circulating on social media that a NATO base under foreign command is being established in Türkiye.
The sources clarified that the planned Multinational Corps Headquarters under NATO's Southeast Regional Plan will remain under Turkish command and that all Black Sea activities will continue to be governed by the Montreux Convention and the principle of regional ownership, with no exceptions.
Security sources noted that the debate has been distorted through the deliberate conflation of multiple simultaneous activities.
"Because many activities are being conducted simultaneously, concepts are being confused with each other and disinformation is being produced. There is no question of establishing any NATO unit under foreign command," the sources said.
Sources were unequivocal on the two core principles governing Ankara's approach.
"Türkiye has, to date, conducted all its activities in the Black Sea in accordance with the principles of regional ownership and the Montreux Convention, and will continue to do so with the same sensitivity. Conceding on these two matters is not possible," the sources said.
Sources added that the management and execution of all activities in the Black Sea, whether NATO or non-NATO, will be carried out by the littoral states.
"Other countries may provide equipment, personnel and training support," the sources noted.
The Ministry of National Defense said last week that work toward establishing a Corps Headquarters under NATO's Southeast Regional Plan began in 2023, with the intention declared to NATO in 2024.
The headquarters is planned to be commanded by a Turkish general, and the 6th Corps Command has been tasked with meeting its requirements. The NATO approval process remains ongoing.
Security sources said the current public debate has turned into a "perception operation," and that all activities under the framework are being managed with the full awareness of Türkiye's sovereignty, alliance commitments and regional sensitivities.
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