The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has activated the Crisis Management Unit following the latest developments in the Middle East, in order to ensure the safety of Greek citizens in Israel, Iran, and the wider region, as stated by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis in an interview with the Open TV on Friday.
He noted that very specific instructions have been given to Greek embassies in the broader region. In Israel, there are approximately 4,500 Greeks or individuals of Greek origin, along with their family members. Contact phone numbers have been provided to ensure direct communication with the Greek embassy in Tel Aviv and the consulate in Jerusalem. In Tehran, the number of Greeks is estimated to be between 50 and 70.
"A tremendous effort is underway. If necessary, an evacuation plan will be implemented. The evacuation plan is already in place and will be activated if required," he emphasized, adding: "What is essential now is to remain calm and avoid further escalation."
As he pointed out, Israel’s attack on Iran "was a significant escalation, and it occurred amid negotiations between Iran and the United States regarding the management of Iran’s nuclear arsenal," which"“ is potentially a destabilizing factor in the region."
He also said that retaliatory actions from Iran are expected, emphasizing that there must be significant mobilization - something in which Greece will also contribute, as an elected member of the UN Security Council.
"I have already initiated communications with our allies in the broader region, who are also on high alert,”"he stated, adding: "A broad alliance is needed in order to prevent further escalation. There is currently a great deal of concern about developments in the area. It is a potential minefield, and it would be best if we could all work together-through multilateral efforts and international organizations-as well as with countries that wield real influence, to mitigate the damage."
He further noted that "the United States is making a significant effort to control the situation in the broader region, particularly regarding countries that, it must be said, are major destabilising factors, such as Iran. The U.S. role needs to be active, though at this moment, there appears to be no direct involvement."
"For the past 20 months, we have been experiencing the most difficult and precarious situation since World War II. There are multiple flashpoints globally, and such flashpoints have historically created the conditions for major conflicts,"  he underlined.
The Foreign Minister pointed out that "we are in a period of major disruption to the security architecture as it was shaped after World War II-even to the point of questioning major international institutions, multilateralism, and the United Nations."
He also stressed that Greece is a strategic partner of Israel, while also maintaining excellent relations with all Arab countries in the region. He himself has visited Ramallah twice and maintains regular contact with the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority.
"We are among the countries taking swift action when it comes to the assistance provided to the Palestinian Authority. And, of course, we are the ones who will speak the absolute truth. And we say it with courage, because friends and allies must speak the truth-and the truth is that, at this moment, the situation has truly spiraled out of control.
We understand the need for protection from threats. We understand the need for Israel to coexist peacefully and have security guarantees in an extremely difficult region. On the other hand, that cannot justify any and all forms of response," emphasised the Foreign Minister.

Regarding a possible meeting between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, he stated that the two leaders will coincide in June during the NATO summit in The Hague, and "it is possible that they may have a brief meeting, but nothing has been arranged yet. It’s too early."