Turkey has issued a strong condemnation of Greece's recent agreement with Chevron to undertake hydrocarbon explorations south of Crete. The Turkish Ministry of Defense accused Athens of engaging in unilateral actions that violate international law and undermine good neighborly relations. This announcement was made public on Thursday, highlighting Turkey's stance against Greece's activities in maritime zones that Turkey claims are under dispute.

The agreement between Greece and Chevron is seen as a potential increase of American influence in the eastern Mediterranean, which is becoming increasingly significant due to rising geopolitical interest surrounding the region's energy resources. Turkey specifically pointed out that while the ongoing exploration activities do not directly infringe on the Turkish continental shelf, they do violate Libya's declared maritime jurisdiction as recognized by the United Nations, a position that has been supported by Turkey.

The implications of this disagreement are profound, as tensions may escalate between Greece and Turkey, especially considering Turkey's unwavering support for Libyan authorities. This situation emphasizes the sensitive nature of maritime rights in the eastern Mediterranean, where overlapping claims and international interests complicate relations between neighboring countries, potentially affecting regional stability and energy security.