Greece’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias has convened an emergency meeting at the Ministry of National Defense, signaling heightened concerns and a push for increased missile defense readiness amid the rapidly escalating conflict between Iran and Israel and its potential ripple effects across the broader region.
The high-level meeting, which lasted about two hours, included Mr. Dendias, the chief of the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA), and the heads of the military branches.
According to defense sources, the primary focus of the discussions was Greece’s preparedness regarding anti-ballistic defense, in light of the deteriorating situation in the Middle East and the possibility of deeper U.S. involvement in the ongoing hostilities.
The meeting intended to ensure that Greece is ready for any scenario as tensions in the region threaten to spiral out of control.
Officials emphasized that while Greece is not directly threatened by the conflict, it must maintain a state of operational vigilance given the potential for broader instability across the Eastern Mediterranean.
The move follows a recent meeting of Greece’s Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), which was convened by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to assess the geopolitical risks stemming from the Middle East.
Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis briefed top officials on Greece’s response efforts, including support for Greek citizens in both Israel and Iran, as reports of missile and drone exchanges intensify between the two warring nations.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis reiterated Greece’s position of deep concern, warning against actions that could fuel further escalation. He called on all parties involved to show restraint and stressed that diplomacy remains the only viable path to stability.
"Greece will continue to work with its partners and allies in pursuit of peace and security in the wider region," Mr. Marinakis said.
The defense meeting underscores growing European unease as the Iran-Israel standoff threatens to destabilize an already volatile region, with NATO and EU members like Greece carefully weighing both strategic and humanitarian implications.