US must obtain Türkiye’s approval to deploy nuclear submarines in Black sea

The United States must obtain permission from Türkiye before deploying American nuclear submarines in the Black Sea, according to the Montreux Convention on the Straits, Turkish international law expert Hakki Hakan Erkiner told the newspaper Türkiye.

Erkiner explained that the Montreux Convention governs not only the Turkish straits but also establishes a security regime for the Black Sea, restricting the entry and duration of stay of warships in the region. He emphasised that the convention does not permit the permanent presence of nuclear submarines in the Black Sea, Caliber.Az reports, citing the paper. 

The expert further noted that Türkiye holds the authority to allow such vessels to visit its ports, but this permission is granted solely at Ankara’s discretion. Erkiner expressed doubt that Türkiye would approve such a deployment, highlighting that the country currently possesses strong legal powers to regulate naval passage.

He also stressed that, like any sovereign state, Türkiye must prioritise its national interests when making decisions regarding the passage and presence of foreign warships in the Black Sea.

By Sabina Mammadli