The United States has quietly abandoned a pipeline project that would supply gas from Israel to Europe through the Greek Cypriot administration.

According to a report, the US government conveyed its decision about the Eastern Mediterranean project this week by submitting a non-paper to Greece spelling out its reasons.

The project is a “primary source of tension” as it is “destabilising” the region by putting Turkey and regional countries at odds, the US communication explained, according to the reports.

“The American side expressed to the Greek side reservations as to the rationale of the EastMed pipeline, (and) raised issues of its economic viability and environmental (issues),” one source said.

A non-paper refers to unofficial diplomatic correspondence.