Flight cancellations, airport closures and overnight explosions have left dozens of Greeks in the United Arab Emirates and the wider Gulf region facing uncertainty, fear; while some are reporting limited access to official support.

As Greece sends military assistance to Cyprus, opposition leaders are urging Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to brief party chiefs on developments in the Middle East and clarify Athens’ position in the escalating regional crisis.

Middle East airports remain closed for a third day, grounding thousands of flights, pressuring airline stocks and triggering disruptions at Athens International Airport.

The frigate HS Kimon is being dispatched immediately to Cyprus, along with a second frigate equipped with the “Centaur” system. The naval reinforcement will be accompanied by two F-16 fighter aircraft.

Drone strikes and escalating military exchanges have forced precautionary shutdowns of major oil and gas facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Israel, disrupting exports and jolting global markets.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m., an alert was issued at Paphos Airport following the detection of a drone in the airspace. Passengers and staff were instructed to evacuate immediately.

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias convened a high-level meeting Monday and ordered daily 8 a.m. briefings with the military leadership to assess developments in the wider Middle East, confirming that all security protocols are fully in place.

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As tensions surrounding Iran intensify, Athens focuses on ensuring the protection of its citizens and shipping interests while pressing for diplomatic engagement to avert a full-blown regional crisis.

In a statement, the UAE’s Securities and Commodities Authority said that the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and the Dubai Financial Market will remain closed on March 2 and 3.

The discussion is expected to focus on the latest developments in the Middle East and on Greece’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at strengthening stability and cooperation.

The Cypriot President said the country will continue to serve its humanitarian role, positioning itself “as part of the solution, not the problem,” and acting responsibly with the safety of its citizens as its top priority.

In a post on X, Maritime Affairs Minister Vassilis Kikilias said the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy is maintaining constant oversight of the situation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Similar precautions have been introduced at Athens International Airport, as well as at other major airports across the country.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched four ballistic missiles at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

Gerapetritis stressed that dedicated telephone lines were already operating at Greece’s diplomatic missions to assist nationals, while urging Greeks in the region to remain in safe locations and follow embassy instructions.

Damage at DXB and the iconic Burj Al Arab, flights grounded, and the Gulf on the brink of a wider conflagration.

Putin also conveyed his condolences to Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, signaling solidarity at a moment of acute tension between Tehran and the West.

The UK Defense Chief warned that the episode demonstrated “how indiscriminate” Iran’s retaliatory actions have become.