Greece Deploys Patriot Systems to Crete Amid Potential Threats

Greece has relocated Patriot missile batteries to the island of Crete, a precautionary measure following reports of potential Iranian threats to target US military installations in Europe should confrontation with Washington escalate. The transfer of these batteries commenced on Sunday from the island of Karpathos, with the air defense systems departing the island aboard a ferry bound for Crete. These batteries are scheduled for deployment in Crete, home to the "Souda" military site, one of the most prominent US and NATO military presences in the Eastern Mediterranean. This action follows a report by the British newspaper "Financial Times," which cited Iranian sources indicating that Tehran is considering expanding the scope of its response beyond the Middle East to target US military installations in Europe, in the event of new US military escalation. According to the report, Iranian forces have examined the possibility of targeting US facilities in the Balkans and the wider Mediterranean region. Furthermore, the Greek newspaper "eKathimerini" reported that the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff have entered a state of "high alert," amidst assessments suggesting that Iran still possesses ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 2,000 kilometers, capable of reaching targets in Southeast Europe. The Greek Ministry of Defense has not issued an official comment regarding the redeployment of the Patriot systems to date.