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.

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 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.

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.

“These are unprecedented situations,” Plakoudas said. “Iran had never targeted civilians here in the Gulf before the 12-day war. Now not only military sites but civilian targets are being hit.”

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.

Mitsotakis said Athens is monitoring developments in Iran, underscoring Greece’s coordination with neighboring countries and international partners to safeguard Greek citizens and ensure freedom of navigation.

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

Iranian state media confirmed the death of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on Saturday.

Unlike the brief 12-day war of June 2025, the current crisis risks broader regional escalation. If more Gulf states are drawn in, oil prices could remain elevated for an extended period.

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As tensions between the United States and Iran are reaching a critical moment, with many analysts expecting a military strike against Iran soon, Greece could find itself front and center amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. While Greece will not participate directly with forces in the pending conflict with Iran, the Mutual Defense […]