Just five days after a meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Turkey has stirred tensions by sending a letter to the UN alleging that Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt are violating its sovereign rights. In the letter, Turkey reinstates claims related to the Turkey-Libya memorandum and asserts that the islands do not have rights under international law. Furthermore, Turkey accuses Greece of selectively interpreting maritime law and argues that Greece’s national maritime spatial planning infringes upon areas under Turkish jurisdiction.

Turkey describes Greece's demands as 'maximalist and excessive' while also stating that it is ready for a fair, equitable, and peaceful resolution. This latest escalation highlights ongoing disputes in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly regarding maritime boundaries and the rights to natural resources in contested waters. The situation is further complicated by the geopolitical interests of external powers in the region, underscoring the volatility that persists between these nations.

In response, Athens has condemned Turkey's letter through diplomatic sources, indicating that it was an expected action from Ankara. Greece firmly rejects the claims made in the letter, stating that it will respond appropriately. The incident underscores the continuing tensions between the two countries, particularly as both nations navigate their maritime rights and broader regional claims amidst a backdrop of historical grievances.