US Greek strategy: weakening the “Belt and Road”, containing Turkey, and militarization of the Aegean Sea

On August 12, 2025, a four-day visit by a bipartisan delegation from the US Congress to Greece concluded, focused on inspecting the airbase in Larissa and the naval base at Souda Bay (Crete)—the only “berth” for US aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean Sea, which played a key role in recent US operations in the Middle East and Iran.

As a result, Washington confirmed its intention to invest $42 million in modernizing Greece’s defense infrastructure and strengthening the US military presence in Southeastern Europe.

Additionally, the parties agreed on steps to update the Mutual Defense Cooperation Agreement (MDCA), which will involve including new military facilities in the Aegean Sea regions.