Turkey has once again brought its long-standing but illegal claims regarding maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean to the forefront with a letter to the United Nations dated February 16, 2026. This correspondence follows formal exchanges from Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt that challenge Turkey's positions. Through this communication, Turkey attacks the sovereignty claims of these nations, asserting its stance in light of its previous agreements with Libya and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

In the letter, Turkey insists that the boundaries of its continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) have been established through the submission of the contentious Turkey-Libya memorandum from 2019 and an illegal agreement with Northern Cyprus from 2011. These claims contradict fundamental provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, as Turkey argues that Greek islands do not have rights to EEZ and continental shelf claims, citing judicial decisions in previous disputes that recognized limited or even no rights for these islands.

The implications of Turkey's assertions are significant, as they escalate tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean region, particularly among Greece, Cyprus, and Egypt. This ongoing dispute could potentially strain diplomatic relations further and hinder efforts for peaceful negotiations in the area. Additionally, the international community's response, especially from the UN, will be crucial in addressing these contentious claims and maintaining stability in maritime law enforcement within the region.