L. ZOCHIOU: Good morning and welcome to today’s special briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is devoted exclusively to developments in Iran and the Middle East.
I will begin with a statement regarding Greece’s position on the latest developments:
Greece is closely monitoring developments in Iran and the Middle East.
We express our concern about the situation in the region. We call on all parties to immediately de-escalate and exercise restraint, in order to prevent a regional conflagration with potentially serious consequences for international peace and security.
We call for full respect for International Law, including the UN Charter.
We support diplomacy. Sustainable solutions to the region’s security challenges can only be achieved through negotiations and diplomatic means.
Greece has repeatedly expressed its strong concern regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Full compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency are essential. It is also widely acknowledged that full oversight of its nuclear and ballistic programs constitutes a prerequisite for regional stability.
Greece attaches particular importance to maritime security in the Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Red Sea. We are concerned by reports regarding a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz. We call on all parties to refrain from any action that could jeopardize freedom of navigation, the safety of seafarers, threaten global trade and supply chains, and flagrantly violate the International Law of the Sea.
The protection of civilians and respect for International Humanitarian Law remain absolute priorities. Compliance by all UN Member States with the UN Charter, International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law is even more critical under the present circumstances.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs has been in continuous contact, from the outset, with Greece’s partners and allies in the wider region. In addition, on March 1, Mr. Gerapetritis participated in an extraordinary meeting, via teleconference, of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the EU Member States, on the latest developments in Iran and the Middle East, during which he emphasized the importance of:
• de-escalation and diplomacy
• substantive oversight of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program
• the safe repatriation of European citizens
• maritime security
• respect for International Law and human rights
At the same time, Mr. Gerapetritis expressed Greece’s solidarity with the countries of the Gulf and underlined the need to counter the dissemination of false information.
I would also like to highlight the Joint Statement agreed by all 27 Member States, which calls for respect for International Law and the UN Charter. All 27 called on all parties to exercise restraint to ensure the protection of civilians and regional security.
On the same day, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held a video conference with the Heads of Greece’s Diplomatic and Consular Authorities in the region, who provided him with a detailed briefing on the situation on the ground. The Minister issued instructions for the management of this particularly complex situation. He also participated in yesterday’s video conference convened by the Prime Minister with the Heads of our Missions, who provided updates on the situation of Greek citizens, the repatriation requests submitted in the countries affected by the war, and the resources required to carry out their duties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated its Crisis Management Unit to provide consular assistance to those in need.
Given the volatile situation, our priority and primary concern is the protection of Greek citizens and their safe repatriation.
Furthermore, a total of 12 emergency telephone lines have been activated at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which Greek citizens located in the affected countries may call for any relevant information. According to last night’s update, five of these lines are dedicated exclusively to providing information concerning Greek citizens in the United Arab Emirates.
All Greek Embassies and Consulates in the region remain on heightened alert and in constant communication with Greek citizens.
Specifically, I refer to the:
• Embassy of Greece in Tehran (Iran)
• Embassy of Greece in Amman (Jordan)
• Embassy of Greece in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
• Embassy of Greece in Baghdad (Iraq)
• Embassy of Greece in Beirut (Lebanon)
• Embassy of Greece in Kuwait (Kuwait)
For Bahrain, the Embassy of Greece in Kuwait is concurrently accredited; an Honorary Consulate of Greece also operates in Manama (Bahrain).
• Embassy of Greece in Doha (Qatar)
• Embassy of Greece in Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), which is also accredited to Oman, where the Honorary Consulate General of Greece in Muscat (Oman) also operates
• Embassy of Greece in Tel Aviv (Israel)
• Consulate General of Greece in Jerusalem (Israel)
For all these Missions, emergency contact numbers and registration platforms for Greek citizens are posted and regularly updated.
A specific plan is in place for the repatriation of Greek citizens, as well as alternative contingency plans in the event that restrictions continue. A necessary precondition for the launch of any repatriation operation is the restoration of air traffic. Once air traffic is restored, our diplomatic Missions stand ready to provide all necessary assistance to Greek citizens wishing to return to Greece.
At present, the airspace remains closed in the vast majority of countries in the region. As a result, no flights can be carried out. In countries where Greek citizens are present and the airspace is open, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is planning repatriation flights.
To be more specific, according to the latest information received from our Missions Abroad: in Israel, the airspace is closed; in Iran, it is closed; in Jordan, it is open; in Kuwait and Bahrain, it is closed; in Lebanon, it is open; in Qatar, it is closed; in the United Arab Emirates, it is closed.
I reiterate that our priority is the safe repatriation of Greek citizens. You understand that, for security reasons, we cannot elaborate on what is being planned and prepared with regard to repatriation flights.
I would like to stress - and this should be clearly understood - that this is a situation of war. The situation on the ground is extremely difficult and complex, and its duration cannot be determined; it is unknown. Therefore, until the situation becomes clearer, Greek citizens are urged to follow the instructions of the local authorities and to monitor the announcements published either on the social media accounts of our Missions or of the Ministry.
The National Council on Foreign Policy will be convened on Wednesday, March 4, at 1:00 p.m., under the Presidency of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, to discuss developments in the Middle East.
Thank you very much. I am at your disposal.
TH. BALODIMAS: Did Mr. Rubio or any other U.S. administration official inform Mr. Gerapetritis, during their meeting in the United States, or any other representative of the Greek Government or Greek diplomacy, about any American or Israeli plans for an attack?
L. ZOCHIOU: During the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ visit to Washington and his meeting with his American counterpart, Marco Rubio, at the White House, they discussed developments in the wider Middle East, including Iran. This was also publicly stated by the Minister following his meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State. The issue of the operational timetable regarding Iran was not raised.
K. ALATZAS: Kostas Alatzas from “Efimerida ton Syntakton” and Action24. Since the Greek Government’s primary concern from the outset has been the protection of Greek citizens in 10-12 Middle Eastern countries - whether they reside there permanently or used those countries as transit travelling to the Far East - we would like to know how many Greek citizens are currently there. I ask this emphatically because, according to very reliable information, there are at least 15,000 Greeks in Abu Dhabi alone. I assume that the activation of five emergency lines dedicated to the United Arab Emirates reflects the large number of Greek nationals. Secondly, as you are planning repatriation flights - and we heard President Trump yesterday suggesting a timeline of at least four to five weeks for the crisis - there is a visible risk that the airspace of most countries will remain closed for an extended period. However, you mentioned four countries where the airspace is open. Is there a plan to relocate Greek citizens from countries with closed airspace to countries where airspace remains open? And how many individuals have, until now, requested repatriation through the platforms operating in these countries? Thank you.
K. BALI: And what about the Greeks who are in Iran? Are there Greeks there who wish to leave Iran? Because I imagine that in Abu Dhabi one can at least stay somewhere, it is not that bombs are actually falling over one’s head...
L. ZOCHIOU: Let us make a distinction here. On the one hand, we have the Greek residents in each of the aforementioned 11 countries. I previously referred to the 11 corresponding Greek Missions. In 10 of them, we have activated the registration platform for Greek citizens wishing to be repatriated. For the time being, this platform has not been activated in Lebanon. We are therefore dealing with three categories: permanent residents; visitors; and, of course, Greek nationals who are using these countries as transit points, with Greece as their final destination.
I would like to clarify something here. There are, of course, requests and telephone calls - not necessarily all requests for repatriation - directed to all the Missions I mentioned earlier. The number of requests varies from country to country. Some Missions are able to communicate individually with each Greek national. However, in other cases, given the volume of requests, this is humanly impossible. We are speaking of several thousand people. The greatest burden has been borne by the United Arab Emirates as a whole, not only Abu Dhabi. For this reason, certain automated methods have been employed, whether through the registration platform, updates on social media, or announcements on the Ministry’s official website.
It is a fact that our Missions are making an enormous effort to carry out their mission, at times placing their own safety and that of their families at risk.
Given that the situation differs from country to country in terms of the number of requests, I will not cite precise figures. The figure of 15,000 which you mentioned, clearly concerns the total number of Greeks in the United Arab Emirates, not the number of repatriation requests received.
Moreover, these requests themselves fall into two categories: those where Greek citizens simply wish to make it known to the Embassy that they are present in the country, without necessarily requesting repatriation; and those who have expressly indicated their wish to be included in repatriation operations.
K. ALATZAS: Simply, how many repatriation requests are there, given that a repatriation flight is being planned?
L. ZOCHIOU: I repeat, they number several thousand.
K. ALATZAS: Several thousand? Tens of thousands?
L. ZOCHIOU: Several thousand.
As regards Iran, there is currently no request for repatriation. The Greeks present in Iran number fewer than one hundred.
L. PAPADIMAS: Lefteris Papadimas from Reuters. Have the United States or Israel requested Greece’s assistance in the ongoing operations? And do you intend to reinforce existing forces in Cyprus or in the Red Sea, through Operation “ASPIDES”?
L. ZOCHIOU: There is no Greek participation in operations against Iran. With regard to Cyprus, Greece’s support for Cyprus is constant. When there is a question of a threat against Cyprus, there is no second thoughts about assisting by every available means and in every possible way. At present, we do not consider that there is a major security issue concerning Cyprus. However, we demonstrate our solidarity in practice at all times and whenever needed. Therefore, to answer your question, our support to Cyprus is purely defensive in nature and does not in any way constitute involvement in the war. As for the naval operation “ASPIDES,” I refer you to the competent Ministry of National Defense.
ST. NIKOLAIDIS: Good afternoon. Nikolaidis, from skai.gr. The Minister stated yesterday, in a vidcast on in.gr with journalist Rania Tzima, that the repatriation plan essentially begins today. My question is: in the event of prolonged airspace restrictions, is any form of support foreseen for Greek citizens who are stranded and whose stay has been extended? And secondly, in such a case, are alternative means being considered - for example, coordinated transport flights by Aegean Airlines, military transport aircraft, or similar arrangements? Thank you.
K. TSAMOURI: Tsamouri from Star Chanel and “Parapolitika” newspaper. To add to that: there are reports that a flight by Aegean Airlines from Oman to Greece is scheduled for tonight. Do we know the exact number of Greeks to be repatriated?
L. ZOCHIOU: The repatriation flight will not take place today, as I mentioned earlier. Our sole priority is the safety and the safe repatriation of our citizens. Further information will, of course, be provided officially once Greek citizens have arrived safely in Greece. I would kindly ask that we remain at that.
As regards flights, the means to be used will be determined on a case-by-case basis. We are prepared. There is a plan for every case, but each case is evaluated individually. What is certain is that we will not leave anyone behind. This also includes, and will be assessed case-by-case, matters relating to their stay in each country.
K. TSAMOURI: The Minister said that the first step would be taken today.
L. ZOCHIOU: As I mentioned, for security reasons, we are examining all parameters and it has been determined that this will not take place today.
N. STAVROULAKIS: Nikos Stavroulakis from “Dimokratia” newspaper. Turning to geopolitics: French President Emmanuel Macron made a proposal that raised some eyebrows, referring to a nuclear umbrella and the deployment of French nuclear warheads in various countries. Do you have any clarification on this? Is Greece included in that plan? Is this merely a proposal that has not yet taken concrete form, or something else? Thank you very much.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: President Macron named Greece as being in discussions with France about joining this framework - that is, France’s nuclear plans. Has Greece already decided to deploy French nuclear weapons on its territory?
L. ZOCHIOU: On this matter, I would refer you to the competent Ministry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not competent for addressing this issue.
D. VOGIATZAKI: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has the general responsibility for matters relating to Greek vessels and Greek seafarers. Mr. Kikilias stated that there are 85 ships involved. However, they face additional difficulties if repatriation becomes necessary. They have every right to request repatriation as well. Do you coordinate with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs regarding the said vessels? What will happen to ships that are effectively stranded, and to the individuals on board who may also wish to return to Greece?
L. ZOCHIOU: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs are in constant coordination and communication. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also stated, following the meeting of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA), that he is in direct contact with the competent Minister. Clear instructions have been issued to vessels flying the Greek flag that are located in the Gulf. All our competent Missions stand ready to provide consular assistance to Greek seafarers as well.
K. ALATZAS: A follow-up: what about personnel on vessels of Greek interests flying foreign flags?
L. ZOCHIOU: Greek nationals?
K. ALATZAS: Greek nationals on board of such vessels…
L. ZOCHIOU: No Greek citizen is excluded.
K. ALATZAS: Even if a vessel does not fly the Greek flag? Because we understand that around 260 vessels are effectively stranded…
L. ZOCHIOU: No Greek citizen is excluded. Of course, you are aware that each company follows specific policies. But I am very clear on this: no Greek citizen is excluded from receiving consular assistance.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: How many vessels of Greek interests are there?
L. ZOCHIOU: Whether vessels of Greek interests or flying the Greek flag - in any case, as figures may have changed, I refer you to the competent Ministry of Maritime Affairs for both numbers.
P. MICHOS: Panayiotis Michos from “To Manifesto” newspaper. Greece’s position on the conflict in the Middle East includes full respect for International Law and respect for the UN Charter. At what point in the UN Charter, or in International Law, if you prefer, is the assassination of a foreign leader within his own country provided for? Thank you.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: In contrast to Russia’s attack on Ukraine, which Greece condemned as illegal - and indeed, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Greece has taken a leading role in condemning the Russian invasion - in this case we have an attack that is not based on any UN decision. Yet Greece is merely expressing concern and, indirectly, appears to attribute responsibility for the situation in the Middle East to Iran, saying that it is a well-established fact that it is Iran’s nuclear program that fuels instability in the region and that, if it stops, everything will end. In other words, indirectly but clearly, responsibility is being placed on Iran. The question is this: why does Greece not condemn the attack being carried out against Iran as illegal the same way it condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine? Ultimately, since you refer to the UN Charter, is Greece in favor of the initiation of such military operations only after UN approval, following a UN decision, or not? Because there is also the precedent of the UN resolutions on Cyprus, which burden the situation. Obviously, we must defend International Law. In this case, does Greece support the conduct of such operations only with the explicit authorization of the United Nations, or is there a double standard?
L. ZOCHIOU: Greece is in favor of universal respect for International Law. I refer you to my introductory remarks. Furthermore, Greece’s official position was expressed at the UN Security Council, where we participate as a non-permanent member. Our position was also expressed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council and in the joint statement of the EU Member States, to which I refer you.
M. NICOLAIDOU: Good evening, Nicolaidou from “Estia” newspaper. I have the following question: Following the attacks on the British bases in Cyprus, does Greece have concerns that the naval base at Souda Bay could potentially become a target now or in the immediate future?
L. ZOCHIOU: All measures that have been taken are preventive and in accordance with established protocols. Let me reiterate that Greece is not participating in, nor is in any way involved in, any operation against Iran.
K. BALI: Ministries of Foreign Affairs presumably work on the basis of scenarios. Are you working on a scenario in which this war will last one month? Will it spread across the entire Arabian Peninsula? Will it end quickly? In other words, what do you consider the most likely scenario? I am speaking purely in terms of scenarios, I’m not asking you to be a clairvoyant.
L. ZOCHIOU: I will refrain from commenting on scenarios. Naturally, all contingencies are being examined and there is specific planning in place. However, as I said at the outset, this is a complex and multifaceted situation involving many states, and the duration of the crisis remains unknown.
P. MICHOS: We soon expect the renewal of the Strategic Partnership Agreement for Cooperation in Defense and Security between Greece and France. The previous agreement, signed in September 2021 in Paris, was signed by the then Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dendias and Mr. Le Drian, in the presence of Prime Minister Mitsotakis and President Macron. This time, the talks are being conducted by the Greek Ministry of National Defense with the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. Is the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs participating in the discussions? Does it have a role in the drafting of the final text to be signed? In other words, does the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs participate in the shaping of the upcoming Greek-French agreement? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: To my knowledge, preparatory work is being carried out by the competent Directorates of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
K. ALATZAS: This also concerns the Middle East in an indirect way: we are seeing military mobilization on Greece’s part. Following the attack on the British base in Cyprus, four F-16s were sent, while two Greek frigates are also being deployed. Today, a redeployment of the country’s air defense systems was decided, including the deploying of a Patriot battery on the island of Karpathos. Given that we have Türkiye opposite us, which continually raises issues regarding the demilitarization of the islands, are you concerned about a possible reaction from Türkiye in response to this military mobilization and redeployment of the Patriots and the Greek armed forces to Cyprus, for the first time after 1964? Is there a scenario in which Ankara might take corresponding action, for the protection of the Turkish Cypriot population? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: I would first like to clarify that this is an operational matter. I cannot say more, for reasons of confidentiality. For any further information, I refer you to the Ministry of National Defense. I have no further comment regarding scenarios or possible reactions from neighboring states.
P. MICHOS: Has there been any communication between Mr. Gerapetritis and his Iranian counterpart, or more generally between the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, perhaps communication that was not made public?
L. ZOCHIOU: To my knowledge, there has been no communication with his Iranian counterpart.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: Has he spoken with Mr. Fidan?
L. ZOCHIOU: To my knowledge, he has not. I will revert to you if there is anything further.
M. MOURELATOU: Maria Mourelatou from “TA NEA” newspaper. Is there any planning for the Minister either to speak with, visit, or receive a visit related to the situation in Iran? I mean from a counterpart…Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: A counterpart from the region?
M. MOURELATOU: From anywhere that may be connected to this situation - whether we should expect a visit, whether he plans to travel somewhere, participate in a meeting, or hold talks.
L. ZOCHIOU: For practical reasons, at this time no visit from the countries concerned can take place.
M. MOURELATOU: I do not necessarily mean from those countries - it could be someone from the United States or Europe.
L. ZOCHIOU: The Minister has just returned from the United States. I have nothing further to add.
N. STAVROULAKIS: Since the strike in Cyprus targeted British sovereign territory, do you assess that the risk is to Cyprus itself or to the United Kingdom? In other words, is Cypriot territory at risk, or specifically the British sovereign areas in Cyprus?
L. ZOCHIOU: I will refrain from making any such assessment. I have no information to that effect.
Thank you very much.
March 3, 2026