Greece Calls Iran Shipping Blockade ‘Alarming’ as Oil Route Remains Closed

Greek officials are expressing serious concern over Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has shut down a crucial oil shipping route for four consecutive days. The maritime standoff has left hundreds of vessels stranded, including Greek ships with crews aboard, while Iran threatens to attack any vessel attempting passage.

Greek maritime officials are sounding the alarm over Iran’s continued blockade of a critical shipping passage that handles roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas transportation.

For the fourth consecutive day Tuesday, vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz remained at a standstill after Iranian Revolutionary Guards officials threatened to attack any ship attempting to navigate the waterway, according to Iranian media reports.

Greece’s Maritime Minister Vassilis Kikilias expressed deep concern about the developing crisis during an interview with Reuters, emphasizing the need to protect international shipping operations and maritime workers.

“This is alarming and worrying, and I wish that global shipping was left out of war conflicts,” Kikilias stated when discussing crew safety and protective measures.

The minister stressed the importance of keeping commercial shipping separate from military conflicts, noting that “Global shipping has to do with global commerce, which everybody needs. And sailors, of course, are not to blame.”

Greece maintains one of the world’s most extensive commercial shipping fleets, making the country a major player in international maritime trade.

According to Kikilias, approximately 15 Greek-registered vessels are currently positioned in and around the Persian Gulf, with Greek crew members among those aboard. Additionally, more than 325 ships with Greek commercial ties are operating in the broader region.

Since Saturday, Greek maritime authorities have issued advisories recommending that ships avoid the area, with crew safety remaining the government’s primary concern.

“We’re in communication with them day and night, 24/7, I’m happy they’re okay, but I’m worried, and we are worried, of course, because the area is in danger,” the minister explained. “We cannot dismiss the possibility of bigger problems.”

Greek authorities announced Tuesday they have developed a contingency plan to evacuate thousands of Greek citizens currently stranded in the region, though implementation remains challenging due to airspace restrictions over the affected area.