Why Is Gerapetritis Surprised that Iran Sees Greece As An Opponent?

ΕΑΝ ΠΡΟΤΙΜΑΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΗ ΣΗΜΑΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΜΕΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΘΟΝΗΣ

EDITOR’S NOTE (Nick Stamatakis). The time is approaching for the leadership of Greece and Cyprus to recognize their mistakes and swiftly adopt a more balanced foreign policy… Since 1945 – the Yalta Agreements – Greece never closed the door to Russia… And after the necessary recognition of Israel by Constantine Mitsotakis in 1991, Greece always followed a balanced policy towards Israel.  Recently, the totally corrupt Kyriakos Mitsotakis “mafia system” (yes, it is a mafia system and not a government), started choosing “the right side of history” – which proved to be the very wrong side… Similar is the situation with our so-called “leaders” and “lobbyists” in NY and DC… They are all puppets of the State Dept. And the Israeli lobby… For example, every trip of AHEPA to Greece and Cyprus starts with a “seminar” at the State Dept… For the rest, please read this excellent article carefully, by Alexis Lekakis – Kerkyraios…

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By Alexis Lekakis – Kerkyraios

During his phone call on Saturday with his Iranian counterpart, the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed that he considers it inconceivable for Greece to be perceived as an enemy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, according to a report on ERTnews (link here). He made this remark in light of the fact that many Greek-owned commercial ships are immobilized in the Persian Gulf, as they are not allowed to depart.

Giorgos Gerapetritis noted that Greece is showing “particular sensitivity” regarding this issue. He also called on Iran to ensure the safety of both the ships and their crews. It is worth noting that Iran has declared that it does not allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz to ships linked to its enemies, namely the United States, Israel, and their allies.

Clearly, the Iranian armed forces include Greece among the allies of those two attacking states, and for this reason they are blocking the passage of Greek ships. For his part, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, hinted at criticism of Greece’s stance in the war (link here).

According to the Tasnim news agency, which is affiliated with the Revolutionary Guards, “Iran’s Foreign Minister reminded Greece that all countries are obliged to prevent aggressors from using their territory and resources to plan, support, or carry out offensive operations against other countries.” Araghchi also emphasized that “all countries are obliged, in accordance with their international legal obligations, to condemn such aggression and refrain from any cooperation or collaboration with the aggressors.”

Finally, the Iranian Foreign Minister warned of “plans by the United States and the Zionist regime to expand the scope of the war, forcing other countries to participate in military attacks or to carry out false flag operations against third countries.” The title of the relevant Tasnim article was particularly sharp, stating: “Iran warns Greece to avoid assisting US-Israeli aggression.” In short, Tehran appears to accuse Athens of bias and involvement in the war.

Escalation with Responsibility in Athens

Although Greece maintained very good relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran for about three decades—serving as its main European interlocutor—the situation has changed drastically in recent years.

A series of actions by the Greek government has been interpreted by Tehran as hostile. Specifically:

• Public support by the Greek Prime Minister for the assassination of Qasem Soleimani by the first Trump administration in January 2020.
• The decision to send a Patriot missile system to Saudi Arabia in September 2021. During the current war, the Greek Defense Minister even publicly announced that the Greek system shot down two Iranian missiles.
• The seizure of Iranian oil from the tanker Lana off Karystos in April 2022, at the request of the United States, was followed by Iranian retaliation, including the seizure of two Greek tankers.
• Repeated joint military exercises between Greece and Israel, some presented as simulations of attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
• The alleged landing of multiple Israeli civilian aircraft in Greek airports shortly before the “12-Day War” was for protection from Iranian retaliation.
• Greece’s vote in September 2025 at the UN Security Council against extending sanctions relief for Iran.
• Greece’s condemnation of Iranian retaliatory strikes without condemning the US-Israeli attacks on Iran.
• Reports (e.g., Wall Street Journal) that US military operations have been supported via bases, including those in Greece.

This context clarifies why Araghchi issued indirect accusations toward Greece.

The History of Greece–Iran Relations

Greece has alliances and constraints, but this did not prevent it in the past from maintaining ties with Iran and acting as a bridge between the West and the Islamic Republic.

Iran has:

• Acted as a counterbalance to Turkey’s regional ambitions.
• Supported Armenia against Azerbaijan.
• Backed Greek positions on Cyprus.
• Provided Greece with oil on credit during its financial crisis.
• Recognized only state-appointed Greek muftis (not those supported by Turkey).

Greece Has Chosen a Side…

In energy terms, Iran once planned a gas pipeline through Syria to Greece and Europe—plans that collapsed after the fall of Assad.

Historically, Greece, Armenia, and Iran had informal cooperation balancing the Turkey–Azerbaijan–Israel axis.

However, today Greece has clearly aligned itself with one side. Since September 2025, the Greek ambassador position in Tehran has remained vacant, reflecting shifting priorities.

As a result, the old friendship cannot be taken for granted. International relations require reciprocity: when one state neglects or undermines relations, it should not be surprised when the other responds accordingly.