Greece activated its Crisis Management Unit and convened an emergency meeting of its top national security body on Saturday following U.S. and Israeli strikes on , as tensions escalated across the Middle East.
The foreign ministry said it was closely monitoring developments after the joint U.S.-Israel attack and expressed concern over regional stability. Greek diplomatic missions in affected areas have been placed on high alert and nationals were urged to exercise caution and remain in contact with embassies and consulates.
“A coordinated repatriation operation will be launched if necessary,” the ministry said in a statement, adding that safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region remained a priority.
Foreign Minister was in constant communication with counterparts in allied countries, the ministry said. It stressed that international oversight of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes was essential to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
An extraordinary session of the National Security Governmental Council (KYSEA), Greece’s highest decision-making body on foreign and defence policy, was scheduled for 6:30 p.m. local time at the Maximos Mansion, chaired by Prime Minister .
The meeting followed confirmation by U.S. President that forces had begun “major combat operations” in Iran. Israeli Prime Minister said the coordinated attack aimed to remove what he described as an existential threat posed by Iran.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it responded with a first wave of drones and missiles targeting Israel. Explosions were reported in northern Israel as air defence systems were activated, while Iranian media reported strikes across Tehran and other cities.
Separately, Greece’s foreign ministry issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid all but absolutely necessary travel to Iran, Israel and the Palestinian territories, citing the deteriorating security situation. Cyprus has also advised its nationals to leave Iran immediately.
In the aviation sector, said it was suspending flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut and Erbil until March 2 following the escalation, according to a company spokesperson.
Greece said protecting civilians, upholding international law and respecting human rights must remain a priority as the situation unfolds.