Greece Considers Relocating Patriot Battery Amid Threat of Iranian Strikes

Greece is considering relocating a Patriot air defense battery amid the potential threat of Iranian strikes against facilities in Europe used by the U.S. military.

Kathimerini reported this, citing sources.

The move would involve relocating the Patriot battery deployed on the island of Karpathos since March to the area of a naval base on Crete.

The Greek Ministry of National Defence is assessing the possibility amid the risk of escalation in the Middle East and the potential for Iran to strike facilities in Europe used by the U.S. military.

According to the sources, if the Greek military assesses the threat to the naval base as significant, the system could be relocated to strengthen the area’s air defenses.

Another Patriot battery could be deployed in northern Greece if Bulgaria renews its request, as it did this spring.

The sources told Kathimerini that communication channels between Athens and Tehran remain open. Greece does not currently consider itself under an elevated threat.

Earlier, the Financial Times, citing sources close to the Iranian regime, reported that Iran was considering strikes against U.S. military facilities in Europe if the conflict with the United States escalates again.

Possible targets reportedly included bases in Bulgaria and Cyprus.

Base on the Island of Crete

Souda Bay on the Greek island of Crete hosts one of the most important naval facilities in the eastern Mediterranean.

The facility is used by the Hellenic Navy and NATO forces, including U.S. forces.

The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) was among the vessels based there ahead of the U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran.