A total of ten Greek ships and 85 Greek sailors remain in the wider area of the Strait of Hormuz, according to an update from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry’s spokesperson Lana Zochios noted that no repatriation requests have been received yet. During the briefing of diplomatic correspondents, Ms. Zochios categorically denied scenarios about pressure being exerted on Greece to participate in ship protection operations, clarifying that the country “is not under any such pressure.”
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“Freedom of navigation and maritime security must be protected. Safe maritime space promotes global political stability, economic stability, sustainable development and the prosperity of all peoples. We call for the reactivation of reliable dialogue channels and a return to negotiations,” Ms. Zochios initially emphasized. Additionally, she reminded that Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, during his communication with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi regarding developments in the broader Middle East, stressed that Greece supports diplomacy in finding sustainable solutions, full respect for International Law and ensuring freedom of navigation.
Strait of Hormuz: Athens positive on participation in joint initiative to ensure safe navigation in the region
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson reminded that Greece already participates in the European operation “ASPIDES,” which has “a geographical limitation and operates with limited composition.” Ms. Zochios recalled that Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, arriving at the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, made clear the Greek position that “there is neither intention nor possibility of expansion.”
Regarding developments in the region, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains “dynamic and open,” as she characteristically stated. In this context, Greece intends to join a joint declaration of “33” states, expressing readiness to contribute to necessary efforts aimed at ensuring safe navigation. However, the Foreign Ministry clarifies that Greek contribution to these initiatives presupposes the restoration of peaceful conditions, meaning it will only be considered after the end of hostilities in the region.
