Greece prioritises citizen safety and urges restraint amid escalating Iran–US–Israel conflict

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Greece is “monitoring the developments in Iran and in the wider Middle East region, which directly affect international and regional stability, closely and with concern,” following the outbreak of war involving Iran, the US and Israel.

He said Greece’s “absolute priority is the safety of Greek citizens who are in the region,” with Foreign Ministry mechanisms activated and coordination ongoing with allies and partners.

Greece also seeks to safeguard freedom of navigation and regional stability, which “presupposes effective control of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program in order to prevent the acquisition of a nuclear weapon.”

Mitsotakis stressed: “Greece stands with composure, as a force of stability and responsibility in the region. Further escalation must be avoided. It is important to protect civilians and ensure respect for International Law.”

His remarks came as the US confirmed three American service members were killed and five injured in the Middle East following Iranian strikes, marking the first US combat deaths since President Donald Trump’s return to office.

Trump said 48 Iranian leaders had been killed in US-Israeli strikes and described the operation as “ahead of schedule,” adding: “we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous – it could happen again.”

He also said Iran’s leaders “want to talk, and I have agreed to talk.”

Iran has launched missiles at US bases and targets across the region, declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and claimed strikes on US naval assets – claims denied by Washington.

Casualties have also been reported in Israel and the United Arab Emirates, while the European Union has called for “maximum restraint.”

Source: ABC.