Turkey escalates pressure in the Aegean with new claims on Greek islands and maritime zones, straining dialogue ahead of a possible leaders’ meeting

Greek defense officials emphasized that the exercise was unrelated to the research vessel Piri Reis, to test the armed forces' readiness.

According to a report by state broadcaster ERT from Cyprus, which quotes the source, the only development was an “anti-NAVTEX” issued by Ankara

According to international maritime norms, such research activities do not require permission from coastal states, but only a formal announcement to ensure the safety of navigation.

Greek diplomatic officials have indicated that they will respond to Turkey’s NAVTEX through the appropriate international legal channels.

Turkey had unilaterally and arbitrarily declared this area to the UN as a Turkish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

The dates cited in the Turkish Navtex come before a meeting in Ankara on Monday between visiting Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.