Dozens of Greek seafarers aboard at least 10 Greek-flagged vessels are currently navigating the highly volatile Persian Gulf, prompting Greece's maritime minister to urge the country's massive merchant fleet to steer clear of the increasingly dangerous region.
Maritime and Island Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias confirmed the vessels' precarious locations during an interview.
Mr. Kikilias said that five additional Greek-flagged ships are currently positioned just outside the Gulf, while more than 325 vessels tied to Greek shipping interests continue to operate in the broader Middle Eastern theater.
With Greece controlling one of the world’s largest merchant fleets, the government has actively advised commercial ships to bypass the region entirely since Saturday.
The safety of Greek seafarers remains Athens' top priority as regional proxy conflicts threaten vital maritime trade routes.
"We are in contact with them day and night, 24 hours a day, seven days a week," Mr. Kikilias said. "I am glad they are well, but I worry — we all worry — because the area is dangerous. We cannot rule out the possibility of bigger problems arising."
The urgent maritime warning coincides with a sharp escalation in Middle East military tensions that threatens to choke commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global transit artery for oil and natural gas.
While no hostile incidents involving Greek ships have been reported so far, the ministry is maintaining round-the-clock monitoring and direct liaison with shipowners to ensure immediate emergency response capabilities.