ANKARA, Turkey—A Turkish research vessel has begun surveying for energy resources in contested areas of the eastern Mediterranean, Turkey’s energy minister said on Aug. 12, amid escalating tensions between NATO allies and regional rivals Greece and Turkey over offshore oil and gas exploration rights.
The Oruc Reis was conducting seismic research in an area Greece says is over its continental shelf, and Athens has demanded the ship’s withdrawal. Both countries have warships shadowing the vessel.
