1987 Aegean crisis

The Aegean crisis of March 1987 was a confrontation between Turkey and Greece arising from a miscommunication over the Greek intentions to conduct oil exploration in the Aegean Sea, near the Greek island Thasos.

Greece sought to prevent oil companies from drilling beyond its territorial waters, however, Turkey misinterpreted this action as an indication that Greece intended to expand its oil exploration beyond those waters. The lack of direct communication channels between the two governments amplified the tension. In response, a Turkish survey vessel was sent to the area with an escort of two Turkish warships, which led both nations to put their military forces on high alert. The situation alarmed North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as both countries were members of the alliance.

Seasoned diplomats intervened and successfully resolved the misunderstanding. Turkey withdrew its naval vessels under the condition that Greece would not pursue oil drills in the north Aegean Sea beyond its territorial waters. While the crisis lasted for a few days, it brought both countries at the brink of war and reignited the Aegean dispute.