The US calls on Turkey to stop drilling in the contested waters of the Mediterranean Sea, VOA reported.

“The United States remains deeply concerned by drilling activities in waters off Cyprus," said US Under Secretary of State Matthew Palmer. "The actions raise tensions in the region and we again urge Turkish authorities to halt all drilling operations off Cyprus.”

Palmer’s warning followed Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s threats to launch drilling, including plans to send a new research vessel to the territorial waters of Greece.

Palmer advises both parties to retreat from any confrontation. 

“As an ally, the U.S. is concerned that the increasing tensions between Greece and Turkey could result in an incident or accident that leads to unintended consequences," said Palmer.

"In the past we have seen incidents in the regions escalate quickly. We urge Greece and Turkey to ensure that the channels of communication remain open between these two NATO allies.”