The discussion between Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi unfolded into a diplomatic debacle, contrary to what is reported by domestic mainstream media and what is announced by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself.
The reality is that the Iranian side launched a fierce attack against the Greek official, making it clear that the EU, of which Greece is a member, is accountable for the escalation in the Middle East and the collapse of the security status in the Strait of Hormuz.
«Do not ask us to solve the problem you caused!»
Specifically, as reported by the Tasnim agency and the news website Fararu, Seyyed Abbas Araghchi was scathing toward the Greek Foreign Minister, declaring unequivocally: «Do not ask us to resolve a problem created by the aggression against us.
The EU must first see who caused insecurity in the region».
The Iranian Foreign Minister completely dismantled Greek appeals for peace, detailing the crimes committed by the US and Israel during the 30 days of their military assault.
He recalled in dramatic tones the obligation of all states to condemn unlawful attacks and blatant violations of human rights.
As he warned, tolerance and indifference toward the lawlessness and terrorist actions of the US and the «Zionist regime» will lead to the total unraveling of the international and moral order, with consequences that will irreparably impact all countries, including Greece.
End to «freedom of navigation»
The most crucial aspect, however, concerns the regime that Iran will impose on the planet's most critical maritime artery, the Strait of Hormuz.
Abbas Araghchi made it clear that insecurity is a direct result of the American-Israeli aggression and the violation of the agreement of June 18.
Based on analyses by Iranian news agencies (Fars, Saberin News, Mashregh News, IRNA, Tasnim), Iran is effectively abolishing the classic Western principle of «freedom of navigation without prior authorization».
From now on, for any merchant vessel to transit, a strict and suffocating 6-stage protocol is imposed:
It must be a commercial vessel, bear certification that it does not serve Israeli or American interests, move strictly within the corridor designated by Iran, remain in full coordination with the Iranian side, and refrain from maneuvers that could constitute a threat...
Only then will transit permission be granted...
Abbas Araghchi emphasized that the competent Iranian military security authority has already taken a series of measures to prevent the transit of hostile vessels.
This constitutes the fundamental point of friction between Athens and Tehran, as Greek shipping now finds itself trapped in the vise of Iranian control!
Hammering the EU
The Iranian Foreign Minister pulled no punches against the European Union, lambasting its double standards and hypocrisy:
«The European Union has no moral standing to lecture others», he stated categorically, rejecting statements on human rights as meddlesome.
He denounced the total shielding provided by certain European circles to Israel and their provocative indifference in the face of Palestinian genocide and war crimes in Lebanon and Iran.
At the same time, Abbas Araghchi reminded Athens of the legal obligations of nations under Article 4 of the United Nations Charter.
He stressed that military attacks against Iran constitute a clear armed assault against a UN member state and that all nations are obligated to refrain from any facilitation, escorting, or cooperation with the aggressors.
Indeed, he sounded the alarm over a plot by the US and Israel to widen the war, forcing third countries to become entangled or staging false flag operations to drag other actors into the conflict. He made it clear that Iran's defensive operations will continue relentlessly against all offensive bases and installations across the region.
Gerapetritis's awkward stance
Faced with this barrage of warnings and accusations, the Greek side appeared confined to the role of a passive observer.
Giorgos Gerapetritis merely expressed his «grave concern» over economic fallout and security, voiced hopes for the return of peace, and declared Greece's readiness to provide... «technical and specialized assistance»!
Although both sides ultimately affirmed the importance of maintaining diplomatic channels and long-standing relations, Tehran's underlying message was unmistakable and daunting:
Greece stands exposed in a war zone, with Greek shipping paying the price for the West's choices.
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