Greece moves Patriot interceptor to protect key military base amid rising US-Iran tensions - report

Greece has relocated a Patriot air defense battery to Crete in response to threats from Iranian officials against US bases in Europe, according to Greek newspaper Kathimerini. The battery, along with personnel and equipment, was moved overnight and is set to be deployed near the Souda military base. Greek Defense Ministry and armed forces are maintaining a heightened state of alert as they evaluate the potential threat to critical infrastructure and military facilities amidst escalating tensions with Iran.

Allied intelligence has raised concerns about Iran's possession of a significant number of ballistic missiles with a range exceeding 2,000 km, which would encompass parts of southeastern Europe, including Greece.

The Patriot defense system was previously deployed in March to counter ballistic missile threats. Greek officials are maintaining communication with the US and Israel regarding potential threats to military bases in Greece and Cyprus. Tehran has reportedly contemplated attacking US bases in Europe should conflict intensify. Iranian sources suggest that Iran is meticulously evaluating options to escalate the conflict, with many within the regime viewing the prospect of a full-scale military confrontation as imminent.

Additionally, Iranian forces have reportedly conducted situational assessments regarding the possibility of targeting American assets in southeastern European countries, with Bulgaria and Cyprus identified as potential targets.