Greece moves Patriot system to Crete over reported Iran threats to US bases
The Financial Times reported last week, quoting Iranian sources, that Iran would fire missiles at US targets in Europe if President Donald Trump steps up military pressure over the Strait of Hormuz.
Published on 24/08/2026 - 10:20 GMT+2•Updated 10:21
The Greek military moved one of its Patriot missile interceptor systems to the island of Crete on Monday in response to Iranian threats to hit US military bases in Europe, media reports said.
The battery was moved from the eastern island of Karpathos to Crete, where there is a major US base at Souda, the reports said.
The aim is to bolster air defence around Souda's strategically important naval and air facilities, which serve both the Greek Armed Forces and the United States and NATO.
The Souda base plays a pivotal role in supporting allied operations across the wider region, making its protection particularly critical under the current security conditions.
Media images showed the Patriot system on a truck waiting to be loaded on a barge.
The Financial Times reported last week, quoting Iranian sources, that Iran would fire missiles at US targets in Europe if President Donald Trump steps up military pressure over the Strait of Hormuz.
The Greek defence ministry did not comment on the reported transfer of the missile system.
This is a developing story and our journalists are working on further updates.
