Greece has moved a Patriot air defence missile system to the island of Crete amid reports of Iranian threats against US military facilities in Europe, according to Greek media.
The missile battery was transferred from the eastern Aegean island of Karpathos to Crete, where the United States operates a major military facility at Souda Bay, the reports said.
The deployment is intended to strengthen air defences around the strategically important base, which supports operations by the Greek armed forces as well as US and NATO forces.
Images carried by Greek media showed the Patriot system positioned on a truck and awaiting transport by barge. The Greek Defence Ministry did not comment on the reported relocation.
The move follows a report by the Financial Times last week that cited Iranian sources as saying Tehran could target US military facilities in Europe if US President Donald Trump increases military pressure over the Strait of Hormuz.
The report has raised concerns among countries hosting American military installations as tensions surrounding the strategically important waterway continue.
Souda Bay is one of the most important military facilities in the eastern Mediterranean. Its location allows allied forces to support naval and air operations across the Mediterranean, Middle East and North Africa.
The facility includes naval infrastructure capable of supporting large military vessels and an airfield used by allied aircraft. Its strategic importance has increased during periods of instability in the wider region.
The reported movement of the Patriot battery comes as governments across the region remain alert to the possibility of attacks against military installations linked to the United States.
Iran has previously warned against actions it considers threats to its security and has repeatedly highlighted the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes.
Any military confrontation around the waterway could have wider consequences for regional security and international energy markets.
The Patriot system is designed to detect and intercept incoming aircraft and missiles. Greece operates the US-developed system as part of its broader air defence network.
The decision to strengthen protection around Souda Bay also reflects the importance of the facility to Greece and its NATO allies. The base has been used to support military operations and exercises involving allied forces.
There was no immediate confirmation from Greek authorities about whether the transfer was directly linked to the reported Iranian threats. No details were provided about how long the Patriot system would remain on Crete or whether additional air defence measures were being considered.
The situation comes as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to raise concerns about possible attacks against US interests in the region and beyond.
