Greece has said it has no intention of becoming involved in the ongoing conflict in the Gulf, as tensions in the Middle East continue to raise concerns about regional stability and global economic impacts.
Speaking on Monday ahead of the European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis emphasized that Athens remains committed to diplomacy and the universal application of international law rather than military engagement.
Addressing reporters at the entrance to the meeting, Gerapetritis said Greece’s position is guided by long-standing principles that prioritize respect for international legal frameworks and the protection of civilians.
“Greece has stood in principle in favor of the universal application of international law, respect for the rights of civilians and of course the return to diplomacy instead of war,” he said.
His remarks came during a gathering of EU foreign ministers to discuss the escalating tensions in the Gulf region and their potential geopolitical, economic and environmental consequences for Europe and neighboring regions.
The conflict has drawn international attention as hostilities have intensified between the United States, Israel and Iran, raising fears of wider instability across the Middle East and affecting global shipping routes and energy markets.
Despite calls from some leaders for allied support to secure maritime routes in the region, Greece made clear that it does not plan to participate in military operations linked to the conflict.
Gerapetritis said the current moment is highly sensitive and could have far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate region of the conflict.
“It goes without saying that in these moments, which are extremely critical and the consequences may be extremely significant, not only geopolitically, but also economically and environmentally for the Mediterranean, Europe must rise to the occasion and assume a leading role,” the minister stated.
The Greek government believes the European Union should focus on diplomatic initiatives and political engagement to help reduce tensions and encourage negotiations among the parties involved.
Athens has consistently supported multilateral solutions to regional conflicts and has emphasized the role of international organizations and legal frameworks in resolving disputes.
Gerapetritis also stressed the importance of protecting freedom of navigation and ensuring that maritime routes remain open for global trade.
He pointed specifically to the need to respect the international law governing the seas, a principle that underpins the free movement of commercial shipping and naval vessels.
The minister highlighted the importance of the international law of the sea, which sets rules for the use of the world’s oceans, including shipping rights, territorial waters and the protection of marine resources.
According to Greece, respecting these legal frameworks is essential to maintaining stability in international maritime routes and preventing further escalation of tensions.
The issue has become particularly relevant as disruptions in key waterways in the Middle East have raised concerns about global trade and energy transport.
One of the most critical shipping routes affected by the current tensions is the Strait of Hormuz.
The narrow passage is one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
A significant share of the world’s oil shipments passes through the strait each day, making it a vital artery for global energy supply.
Any disruption in this route can have immediate effects on international energy prices, shipping insurance costs and supply chains that depend on steady oil exports from the Gulf region.
European governments have been closely monitoring the situation because of its potential impact on energy markets and trade flows affecting the continent.
For countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, the conflict also carries environmental risks.
Military activity or shipping disruptions could potentially affect marine ecosystems, fishing industries and coastal economies across the broader Mediterranean region.
Greece, which operates one of the world’s largest commercial shipping fleets, has a strong interest in maintaining safe and open maritime routes.
The country’s shipping sector plays a crucial role in global maritime trade and is closely tied to international energy transport.
Officials in Athens say protecting freedom of navigation is therefore a strategic priority for both economic and security reasons.
At the same time, the government maintains that diplomacy remains the most effective path to reducing tensions in the Gulf and preventing the conflict from expanding further.
The European Union has previously played a role in diplomatic negotiations with Iran and other regional actors, and several European leaders have suggested the bloc could once again contribute to mediation efforts.
Gerapetritis’ remarks reflect a broader position among some European governments that favor diplomatic engagement over direct military participation in the current conflict.
As discussions continue among EU foreign ministers and international partners, Greece says it will continue to advocate for respect for international law, protection of civilians and the preservation of open and secure maritime routes.
The government believes that coordinated diplomatic efforts by Europe and the wider international community could help ease tensions and prevent the crisis from escalating further, while safeguarding global trade and regional stability.
