WASHINGTON — The United States slammed Turkey's decision to resume seismic research in the Eastern Mediterranean with the vessel "Oruc Reis", in a press statement released on Tuesday by US State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus.

"The United States deplores Turkey’s October 11 announcement of renewed Turkish survey activity in areas over which Greece asserts jurisdiction in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey’s announcement unilaterally raises tensions in the region and deliberately complicates the resumption of crucial exploratory talks between our NATO Allies Greece and Turkey," the statement said.

In it, the State Department spokesperson added that "coercion, threats, intimidation, and military activity will not resolve tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. We urge Turkey to end this calculated provocation and immediately begin exploratory talks with Greece. Unilateral actions cannot build trust and will not produce enduring solutions."