Greek PM: Only the US Has the Power to Mediate Iran-Israel Crisis
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has urged the United States to step in diplomatically to de-escalate rising tensions between Israel and Iran, saying Europe lacks the clout to bring both nations to the negotiating table.
“Only the United States can do that,” Mitsotakis said at an energy conference in Athens, warning that further escalation could worsen global inflation and disrupt energy markets.
Greece is also concerned about the safety of 180 Greek-flagged oil tankers operating near the Strait of Hormuz, following last week’s Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran Launches Over 30 Missiles at Israel; Hospital Targeted
In a dramatic escalation on June 19, Iran fired around 30 ballistic missiles targeting multiple Israeli cities, including Ramat Gan, Holon, and the Soroka Medical Center in Be’er Sheva.
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47 people injured, including:
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3 seriously
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2 moderately
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18 while running to shelter
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Soroka hospital reported minor injuries and damage across several wings.
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A six-story building on the hospital campus caught fire, prompting emergency evacuations.
Israel Vows Retaliation: Iran’s Khamenei to Be ‘Held Accountable’
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei would be “held accountable” for targeting civilian infrastructure.
“These are some of the most serious war crimes,” said Katz, ordering intensified Israeli strikes on Tehran’s power infrastructure and strategic military assets.
Nuclear Sites Targeted: Israel Strikes Iran’s Arak Heavy Water Reactor
The Israeli military confirmed striking Iran’s Arak nuclear reactor, targeting plutonium-related infrastructure to prevent future weapons-grade material production.
Residents near Arak and Khondab were warned to evacuate before the attack.
Iran Warns US: Stay Out or Face Consequences
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned the United States against backing Israel militarily.
“If the US enters the war, Iran will respond forcefully to protect its sovereignty,” Gharibabadi told Iranian state TV.
UK and EU Caution Against Escalation, Push for Diplomacy
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will follow international law in any response, according to Attorney General Lord Hermer. Energy Minister Miatta Fahnbulleh emphasized:
“The Prime Minister is urging all sides to pursue a diplomatic route and avoid a regional war.”
Meanwhile, foreign ministers from Germany, France, and the UK are set to meet their Iranian counterpart in Geneva on Friday for urgent nuclear de-escalation talks.
Kenyan Embassy Near-Miss Highlights Regional Risks
A missile strike on Ramat Gan landed within a few hundred meters of the Kenyan Embassy in Israel, sparking international outcry.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry stressed that foreign missions must be protected under international law.
Putin Rejects Idea of Iran’s Supreme Leader Assassination
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed speculation about US-Israeli attempts to assassinate Ayatollah Khamenei.
“I don’t even want to discuss this,” Putin said, instead urging peaceful negotiation ensuring both Iran’s right to nuclear power and Israel’s right to security.
Key Takeaways for Global Readers
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The Israel-Iran conflict is rapidly escalating, drawing in global powers and threatening energy stability.
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Civilian targets and nuclear infrastructure are now in the crosshairs.
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Calls for US-led mediation are growing louder as the region risks spiraling into full-scale war.
