Greece’s Government Council for National Security (KYSEA) met on Friday afternoon under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for an assessment of the latest developments in the Middle East following Israel’s deadly airstrike on Iran.

The Greek Premier cut his official visit to Sweden short and rushed to Greece to head the council meeting for national security in light of the new tensions in the region. Concerns have been expressed about the safety of Greek citizens in affected countries and the impact on maritime safety and tourism for the country.

“Greece closely monitors the alarming developments in the broader Middle East and recognizes that any further escalation could pose a significant threat to regional and global stability,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a post on social media platform X earlier on Friday.

“We urge all parties involved to exercise maximum restraint, avoid military escalation, and utilize all available diplomatic and dialogue channels. The international community must take immediate action to prevent a regional conflagration,” the post concluded.

Greece calls for Iran Israel de-escalation

Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis was briefed on the situation and on the assistance provided to Greek citizens in Israel and Iran during Friday’s meeting. The council also reaffirmed that Greece’s consistent position is for solutions to be sought through diplomacy.

Greece will continue to work in this direction with partners and allies for the benefit of stability and security in the wider region, government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said in a statement.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis also discussed regional security in a call with Cyprus President Christodoulides.

The latest developments in the Middle East, security parameters, and potential implications for regional stability were the focus of a telephone conversation on Friday between the two leaders.

Greece concerned about maritime safety in Hormuz

The Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs has urgently requested details of all Greek-owned ships currently sailing or expected to sail in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz from the Greek Shipowners Association. This is situated between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world’s most strategically significant sea passages.

The request was made “due to developments in the Middle East and the escalation of military actions in the wider region.” According to the Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs, Vasilis Kikilias, the level of alertness is constantly rising, and the situation is very serious since “there is a new conflagration at Gaza and rising tension across the Middle East, even between India and Pakistan.”

In speaking to the Greek public broadcaster, ERT, on Saturday, the minister warned of far-reaching geopolitical consequences. Guidelines have been issued by the Operations department of the Greek Coast Guard to Greek-owned ships and ships under Greek flags sailing near Hormuz, and data is revised every six to twelve hours. Ships of Greek interests make up twenty percent of the global fleet, which statistically means a large number of them is also at the affected area.

The crisis between Iran and Israel does not only impact shipping, however. It also directly affects production, the primary economy, industry, tourism, and the daily lives of citizens even in terms of gasoline prices, Kikilias pointed out.

Iran may have yet one very serious card up its sleeve.

If Iran decides to blockade the Hormuz Strait.

Things get serious very fast.

— Chay Bowes (@BowesChay) June 13, 2025

Safety recommendations to Greek citizens in affected areas

Action is also being taken to prevent possible safety risks within Greece, as discussed at the Ministry of Citizen Protection.

As Kikilias admitted on ERT, all European countries are thinking about getting organized against possible targets on the European continent, although he believes that Greece is not yet at a point of considering the shielding of possible touristic targets.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated the Crisis Management Unit immediately after Israel’s airstrike on Iran in order to ensure the safety of Greek citizens in Israel, Iran, and the wider region.

In Israel, there are approximately 4,500 Greeks or individuals of Greek origin, along with their family members. Contact phone numbers have been provided to ensure direct communication with the Greek embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem. In Tehran, the number of Greeks is estimated to be between 50 and 70.

“A tremendous effort is underway. If necessary, an evacuation plan will be implemented. The evacuation plan is already in place and will be activated if required,” Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis said on Open TV on Friday.

“The area is a potential minefield,” Gerapetritis added. “For the past 20 months, we have been experiencing the most difficult and precarious situation since World War II. There are multiple flashpoints globally, and such flashpoints have historically created the conditions for major conflicts.”

In addition to the measures taken for Greeks in Israel and Iran, in light of the closure of Jordanian airspace, the ministry advises that Greek citizens currently in Jordan contact their airline, consult official sources for updates, and follow the instructions of local authorities. They are to contact the Embassy of Greece in Amman if needed.

A recommendation issued in October 2023, advised against unnecessary travel to Lebanon, and this remains in effect.