Greece launches evacuation mission for nationals in Iran, says Greek FM Minister

Greece has launched a “special operation” to evacuate its nationals from Iran, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said on Wednesday, amid ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel.

Speaking to Mega TV, Gerapetritis said that only a small number of Greek citizens and diplomatic staff remain in Iran, but the evacuation effort would be particularly challenging.

“This will be a very difficult evacuation mission,” he said.

Referring to the recent evacuation from Israel, Gerapetritis noted that 140 Greek citizens had already returned home via a lengthy overland route. He added that more Greek nationals remain in Israel and that additional operations may be required.

Commenting on the broader regional crisis, the minister reiterated Greece’s call for de-escalation. “Our position, which has also been communicated to the EU, is that tensions in the wider region must be reduced and that discussions on Iran’s potential future nuclear arsenal should continue,” he said.

Gerapetritis also emphasised that Greece “will not be actively involved in any conflict.”

Source: ekathimerini.com