Greece is considering the possibility of moving its Patriot anti-aircraft missile system from the island of Karpathos to the Souda military base in Crete. Athens is evaluating this option against the backdrop of the aggravation of the situation in the Middle East and information about possible Iranian strikes on American facilities in Europe, reports Kathimerini.

According to sources, if the threat to the Souda military base is assessed as serious, the Patriot battery located in Karpathos will be moved there to strengthen the protection of American military facilities.

Athens is also studying information about possible strikes on targets in Cyprus and Bulgaria. Four Greek F-16 fighter jets, which were sent there in March after the drone attacks, as well as the military frigate HS Nikiforos Fokas, are still stationed in Cyprus.

The Patriot battery has been in Karpathos since early March. Earlier, at the request of Bulgaria, another complex was sent to Northern Greece to strengthen the air defense system of the neighboring country. In May, when the situation in the Middle East became relatively stable, it was returned to its previous location. If Sofia again requests support, the matter will be discussed in the Greek Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense.

Security measures have already been tightened at the Souda military base. The Greek defense ministry says that if the threat increases, they will be further strengthened.

At the same time, Athens considers it unlikely that targets will be hit on Greek territory, since several air defense systems are also operating in the path of possible air threats.

The Greek government also cites the recent telephone conversation between Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as well as the restoration of communication channels between Athens and Tehran.

Against the backdrop of possible Iranian attacks on facilities in Europe, the Greek authorities believe that their country is not currently facing a serious threat.