On February 16, 2026, Turkey's Permanent Mission to the UN sent a letter addressing recent remarks by Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt, which diplomatic sources indicate has not surprised Greek officials. The contents of Turkey's letter reiterate its established stances regarding maritime jurisdiction, a subject of ongoing contention in the region. Greece perceives this letter as a continuation of Turkey's historical claims and positions that it finds legally unfounded and in violation of its sovereign rights.

Greek diplomatic sources have categorically dismissed the arguments put forth in Turkey's letter, stating that they lack a sound legal basis as per International Law and specifically the Law of the Sea. In light of these developments, Greece plans to respond formally to the United Nations, stressing its commitment to defending its maritime rights against Turkey's repeated assertions. The ongoing maritime dispute forms a critical aspect of broader geopolitical tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly between Greece and Turkey.

The incident further highlights Turkey's ongoing refusal to recognize the Republic of Cyprus, despite its status as an EU member state. This refusal contributes to rising tensions in the region and complicates diplomatic efforts to resolve maritime boundaries and rights. The situation necessitates vigilance from international observers, as it embodies not only bilateral disputes but also intricate regional dynamics involving multiple states.