The former US Ambassador to Athens, George Tsunis, emphasized in the Naftemporiki vidcast with Michalis Psilos that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened up. “These are international waters, and no one has the right to block any maritime passage,” he stated.
“Navigation cannot be interrupted; the free transit of ships is non-negotiable, both legally and morally,” Tsunis underscored. “Ninety percent of the global economy is transported by sea. This is not only about energy exports from the region, but also about the shipment of raw materials essential to the food chain, such as fertilizers, as well as to the pharmaceutical industry,” he added.
“The fact that the Iranians are holding the world hostage is just wrong. I believe everyone would agree that in international waters, we should not have one nation closing down any waterway, especially one vital as the Strait of Hormuz.”
Iran as a Destabilizing Force
Tsunis stressed that no one can deny that Iran and its regional proxies – Hezbollah, the Houthis, Hamas – have been a destabilizing force for decades across the broader region. The Iranians and their representatives have caused problems even as far as South America and other regions. When I served as Ambassador, intelligence reports informed us that Iran was funding over 20 countries. This is destabilizing… I hope that after this military operation, Iran will join the world of civilized nations, where everyone seeks peace and good neighborly ties. This decades-long destabilizing behavior must end.
Objectives of the Operation
The former Ambassador emphasized that the goal of all nations—not only the United States—should be to destroy Iran’s kinetic ability. That is the number one objective. Every country should have defensive capabilities, but Iran has demonstrated highly irresponsible and offensive capabilities. Destroying their launchers and missile capabilities, as well as their drone production capacity, is extremely important. Tehran must give up its nuclear weapon aspirations. Everyone would agree that a nuclear weapon in the hands of Iran would be incredibly dangerous.
“Therefore, to accomplish these three objectives is not only important for the United States; it should be important for everyone.”
Europe’s Position
Asked about the hesitation—or refusal—of European partners to participate in the operation, Tsunis stated: “Europeans need to recognize that before this conflict, Iran had missiles capable of reaching 2,000 kilometers. Now they have demonstrated the ability to reach 4,000 kilometers, giving them the ability to hit downtown London.”
A Good Solution to Ending the War
“The Europeans need to understand that they are facing a far greater risk than they might imagine. Even if, at the end of the day, military conflicts may not align with a nation’s domestic political priorities—since wars are often unpopular, driving inflation and raising fuel prices—many leaders in these countries recognize that, thankfully, the United States is acting and that we have significantly weakened Iran’s ability to be a forceful, offensive, kinetic military force.”
Positive Agenda
Asked how he envisions this conflict ending—through a negotiated agreement or continued hostilities, possibly including a ground offensive—the former U.S. Ambassador to Athens replied: “I am not at the negotiating table, so I do not want to speculate. But I believe the optimal outcome is to reach an agreement. I think such an agreement should include the following: Iran would cease enriching uranium for nuclear warheads, curtail its offensive missile capabilities, and stop funding and arming its regional proxies in the Middle East—Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the Houthis in Yemen.
“It is always better for countries to engage constructively and pursue a positive agenda. I hope that, for the Iranian people, the next government chooses peace over war and considers what is best for its citizens. Most Iranians are good people who care deeply about their families and their children’s future and do not want to be in a constant conflict with the Western world. I therefore hope that whichever leadership emerges after this conflict will choose the path of peace and stability.”
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