Thousands Storm Athens Streets Over Greece’s Ties to Iran War Escalation

In the heart of Athens, on March 12, 2026, thousands of demonstrators flooded the streets, marching toward the US Embassy in a powerful display of dissent.

The protest targeted the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began with airstrikes on February 28, resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and escalating into a full-scale conflict.

Protesters condemned Greece’s involvement, highlighting the country’s hosting of NATO and U.S. military bases, such as Souda Bay, and its close alliances with the US and Israel amid rising global tensions.

The protest, organized by left-wing groups, student unions, and the Communist Party of Greece, drew an estimated several thousand participants, according to police reports.

Marchers carried Palestinian and Iranian flags, chanting slogans like “Hands off Iran” and “Stop the War,” while criticizing the Greek government’s stance.

The rally proceeded peacefully under heavy police presence, ending outside the embassy barricaded by riot units.

Demonstrators specifically demanded the closure of US and NATO bases in Greece, arguing they make the country a potential target in the conflict.

One protester, Sofia Theotoka, voiced widespread frustration: “We consider the stance of the Greek government to be despicable, because it not only puts us in danger by hosting American bases all over the country, but also has very strong ties with the state of Israel that is conducting a genocide with the United States.”

She adds, “for us, the government should have already issued a public statement that would clarify that they are not getting involved in this war.”

Reactions vary widely. Pro-Trump outlets praise the strikes as necessary to curb Iran’s threats, while critics like the National Iranian American Council decry them as escalating chaos.

In Greece, the government has bolstered defenses, deploying frigates and fighter jets to Cyprus amid drone threats.

The Iran conflict traces back to decades of tension over Tehran’s nuclear program. The 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, brokered under Obama, curbed Iran’s enrichment in exchange for sanctions relief, but Trump withdrew in 2018, reimposing penalties and heightening hostilities.

Failed talks under Biden led to the February 28 strikes, justified by Trump as preventing nuclear threats to allies, including Europe.

Greece’s involvement stems from its NATO membership since 1952 and strategic location.

Bases like Souda Bay have supported US operations in the Middle East, drawing ire from anti-war groups.

Recent deployments, including frigates to the Red Sea and F-16s to Cyprus, underscore alliances but risk entanglement.