Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis has reassured the public that the naval base at Souda Bay in Crete is not under immediate threat. Speaking on SKAI TV in the early hours of Thursday, 5 March 2026, he confirmed that repatriation operations for Greek citizens from countries across the Middle East will continue daily — including from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, and other affected areas.
Clarifying Strategic Concerns
When asked whether Souda Bay falls within the range of Iranian missiles, Gerapetritis adopted a calm and reassuring tone: “I do not consider Souda to be under threat.” He stressed that Greece’s diplomatic and operational efforts are focused squarely on protecting Greek nationals in the region.
Greek Military Presence in Cyprus
On Greece’s military deployment in Cyprus, Gerapetritis described the stationing of the frigates Kimon and Psalis, alongside F-16 Viper fighter jets, as a “historic duty.” He emphasized that this presence is strictly defensive: “The deployment of Greek forces is not up for discussion — not even for notification. It is purely defensive support.”
Rejecting Turkish Objections
The minister dismissed Turkey’s objections to Greece’s installation of U.S.-made Patriot air defense systems on the island of Karpathos, calling the claims “completely unfounded.”
Hormuz Strait: A Global Flashpoint
Turning to the Strait of Hormuz, Gerapetritis underscored the critical importance of freedom of navigation. He noted that the European Union’s naval mission — Operation Aspides — is currently active in the area. Warning of serious global consequences, he stated that any de facto closure of the strait would pose a “massive issue” for both the world economy and maritime security.