ATHENS

Greece on Wednesday reiterated the importance of diplomacy to achieve peace in the Middle East, according to the Greek Foreign Ministry.

During a phone call, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, discussed recent developments in the region.

Gerapetritis emphasized that “sustainable solutions to regional security challenges can only be achieved through diplomacy and negotiated deal,” the ministry said on X.

Gerapetritis also underscored the need for full compliance with the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as “a crucial step for the prevention of the spread of nuclear weapons,” as well as the significance of maritime security for global peace and prosperity.

The call came amid rising tensions between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog over monitoring access and transparency, following Tehran’s decision to sever ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

A 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran erupted on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, killing at least 935. Tehran responded with missile and drone strikes that killed at least 29, while the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites.

The conflict ended with a US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on June 24.