Turkey recently attempted to justify its expansionist claims in the Aegean following a maritime dispute near the islands of Kassos and Karpathos.

Italian research vessel Ievoli Relume, conducting underwater electricity connection studies between Crete and Cyprus with Greek authorization, was warned by Turkish warships for allegedly entering waters claimed by Turkey as part of its continental shelf. Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions escalated, but the vessel eventually left the area after completing its research.

Turkish Defense Ministry sources expressed gratitude to Greek and Italian authorities for purportedly respecting Turkey’s maritime claims and collaboration. The incident occurred within the framework of a 2020 agreement between Athens and Cairo, which delineates an exclusive economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean.