Greece is prepared to discuss contributing to a future international mission to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz once the Iran conflict in the region ends, Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Chatzivasileiou said on Tuesday.

Speaking before parliament’s European Affairs Committee, Chatzivasileiou said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had already signalled that Greece would be willing to participate in a peacekeeping force tasked with ensuring freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway if conditions allowed.

He said Greece had consistently taken a leading role in maritime security initiatives, pointing to its participation in the European Union’s Operation Aspides, which protects commercial shipping in the Red Sea. He noted that the mission is currently under Greek command following the recent appointment of Commodore Georgios Pitikakis as force commander.

Cyprus

Chatzivasileiou also marked the anniversary of Turkey’s 1974 invasion of Cyprus, describing it as an illegal invasion and occupation recognized by the international community.

He said Greece remained committed to working with the United Nations and the European Union to resume negotiations on the basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in line with U.N. Security Council resolutions, while reiterating Athens’ opposition to any two-state solution or formal partition of the island.

Middle East and the Economy

Turning to the Middle East, Chatzivasileiou warned against allowing the current instability to become “the new normal,” saying Greece was pushing within the European Union for measures aimed at de-escalating tensions.

He also warned that prolonged instability in the region would continue to drive up energy costs and, in turn, consumer prices. He said the European Union was discussing an affordable energy action plan designed to mitigate the economic impact of such crises, with the issue featuring on the agenda of the General Affairs Council.