Turkey has declared that Greece's hydrocarbon exploration activities south of Crete are illegal, referring to them as unilateral actions that violate international law and neighborly relations. This statement comes in light of Greece's agreements with the Chevron-Helleniq Energy consortium. Turkey's Ministry of Defense emphasized that such activities breach the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Jurisdiction between Turkey and Libya, even though it does not directly affect Turkey's continental shelf in the area.

In their weekly press briefing, Turkish officials expressed strong opposition to Greece's exploration efforts, describing them as contrary to established agreements and asserting that they infringe upon Libyan maritime jurisdiction. Turkey has committed to continue supporting the Libyan authorities in taking action against what it terms Greece's unilateral and illegal activities in the eastern Mediterranean region.

The ongoing tension over hydrocarbon exploration rights in the Mediterranean highlights the geopolitical complexities and territorial disputes involving Greece, Turkey, and Libya, particularly surrounding energy resources, which are becoming increasingly significant in the region. This development could further escalate tensions as both nations reinforce their maritime positions, with broader implications for regional stability and international relations.