Red Alert in Athens Over Iranian Ballistic Missiles and US Forces in Souda Bay

The escalating tension between Israel and Iran, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warning of opening the gates of retribution, has triggered a red alert in Athens. Possible U.S. involvement could worsen the explosive situation. An emergency meeting at the Ministry of Defense convened by Minister Nikos Dendias with military chiefs reviewed Greece’s readiness against long-range ballistic missiles. Military sources emphasized the precautionary nature of the meeting, aimed at updating defense systems to adapt to new threats. In Souda Bay, two cargo planes and three flying tankers have arrived at the American base, while advanced forces are present in the Mediterranean, including aircraft carriers and anti-submarine vessels. Despite no direct threat to Greece, vigilance remains crucial. Analysts interpret Trump’s strategy towards Iran using the ‘madman theory,’ where unpredictable scenarios confuse adversaries, leaving them uncertain about potential U.S. actions. Meanwhile, political chess played out in Parliament regarding pre-trial motions against former ministers Karamanlis and Mitsotakis. The ND proposal passed, requesting judicial review for alleged misconduct. Former PM Karamanlis defended his innocence, seeking justice. Additionally, remarks from ex-PMs Samaras and Karamanlis critiquing Mitsotakis’ foreign policy sparked controversy, leading to internal tensions within ND.