The interception of Iranian missiles by the Greek Patriot battery operating in Saudi Arabia has sparked strong reactions and accusations from the entire opposition. Nikos Dendias responded indirectly to these claims.

“It proves the effectiveness of our armed forces. I am very proud of the level of Greece’s armed forces,” the Defense Minister said while speaking at the 4th East Macedonia-Thrace Forum in Alexandroupoli.

He explained that Greece was invited by the Saudi government. “What we are doing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is protecting every EU and global citizen, as the price of oil is very important for our livelihood,” he emphasized.

Dendias also noted that the Iranian missiles intercepted by the Greek Patriots in Saudi Arabia were three times faster than other missiles. “We are talking about speeds of 4,000 km per hour. In the future, we may need to face other missiles with speeds, for example, of 7,000 km per hour,” he added meaningfully.

At the same time, parliamentary representatives and MPs from PASOK, SYRIZA, KKE, Hellenic Solution, New Left, Niki, and Course of Freedom collectively fired criticisms at the government and the Minister of National Defense, arguing that the interception of hostile missiles constitutes Greek military involvement in the war.

It should be recalled that the ratification of military cooperation agreements and the strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia, in July 2024, had been approved not only by ND but also by SYRIZA and PASOK.

Mihalis Katrinis, responsible for defense at PASOK, stated that “the Minister of National Defense boasts and overemphasizes the fact that two Iranian ballistic missiles were shot down by a Greek Patriot battery stationed in Saudi Arabia and operated by Greek military personnel,” adding: “Apparently, the government does not realize that this incident, and even more so Mr. Dendias’ statement, constitutes Greece’s involvement in the armed conflict, something the Prime Minister had excluded. The reality is one: along with the two Iranian missiles, the government’s narrative of non-involvement (direct or indirect) of Greece in the war was also shot down, a position that PASOK had supported from the start.”

SYRIZA leader Sokratis Famellos spoke in Parliament of “practical involvement” and called for the Patriot battery and military personnel to be returned to Greece. From KKE, Nikos Karathanasopoulos said, “It was cynically revealed that the battery went to protect ARAMCO’s interests. The Minister of National Defense admitted that Greece is involved and participating in the imperialist war against Iran.”

Alexis Charitsis, leader of New Left, noted that “Mr. Dendias almost celebrated the alarming development (i.e., the interception of hostile missiles)” and called for the Ministry of National Defense leadership to appear before Parliament to provide information.

Hellenic Solution leader Kyriakos Velopoulos also spoke of Greece’s indirect involvement in the Middle East war, adding: “Iran has said that anyone who bombs them will be punished. What are you doing?”

Finally, Georgia Kefala, parliamentary representative of Course of Freedom, also spoke about Greece’s involvement, calling on the government to clarify whether Iran has expressed any concerns over the missile interception.