The Turkish Straits, comprising the Bosporus and Dardanelles, have historically been a significant geopolitical area, linking the Black Sea with international waters. In the aftermath of World War II, the geopolitical landscape was shifting, and the Soviet Union aimed to expand its influence in strategic areas. On July 7, 1946, the Soviet government presented a diplomatic note to Turkey, explicitly challenging Ankara's sovereignty over these crucial straits. This marked a pivotal moment in post-war diplomatic relations between the Soviet Union and Turkey, as the latter had strategically aligned itself more closely with Western powers following the war.

The Soviet assertion was rooted in longstanding historical claims and geopolitical strategy. Joseph Stalin's administration desired greater control over the straits to ensure Soviet naval access to the Mediterranean and to bolster its security against perceived Western threats. Turkey, having recently signed a mutual assistance pact with the United Kingdom in 1945, viewed the Soviet note as an aggressive maneuver and an infringement on its territorial integrity. The issue was significant not just for Turkey but also for the balance of power in the region, leading to increased tensions during a period characterized by the onset of the Cold War.

In response to the Soviet's provocative stance, Turkey sought allies in the West, emphasizing the importance of the Straits for international navigation and trade. The Turkish government’s resolve highlighted the complexities of Cold War politics in the region, foreshadowing future conflicts during the Cold War, particularly regarding territorial integrity and sovereignty over strategic waterways. The crisis ultimately prompted Turkey to reinforce its military capabilities and alliances, setting a course for its future foreign policy.