uk cyprus — uk cyprus — The United Kingdom is not involved in attacks on Iran carried out by the United States and Israel, according to reports on Saturday. However, the UK’s military presence at its Akrotiri air force base in Cyprus is being strengthened.
- A UK government spokesperson emphasised the importance of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, reiterating the UK’s support for a negotiated solution.
Two Royal Air Force Airbus A400M military transport aircraft left Brize Norton airbase in Oxfordshire for Cyprus, landing at 1.15pm and 2.30pm respectively. Earlier that morning, a UK government-branded Dassault Falcon 900LX business jet departed from Akrotiri, heading west towards continental Europe, likely en route to the UK.
As tensions in the region escalate, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to chair a high-level national security meeting later today. The BBC reported that the UK “did not participate” in Saturday morning’s strikes on Iran.
Starmer has previously rejected a US request to use British military bases for strikes against Iran, specifically mentioning the Fairford airbase in Gloucestershire and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, indicating these requests did not pertain to Cyprus.
A UK government spokesperson emphasised the importance of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, reiterating the UK’s support for a negotiated solution.
Recently, the UK deployed six F-35B fighter jets from Marham, Norfolk, to Cyprus, aimed at defending the base amid rising regional tensions. These jets will join existing Typhoon fighters stationed at Akrotiri, which are currently carrying out missions over Iraq and Syria.
The UK’s military footprint in Cyprus has increased in recent years, particularly following missile exchanges between Iran and Israel. Last summer, the country enhanced its presence in response to escalating hostilities.
Luke Pollard, the parliamentary under-secretary of state for the armed forces, noted that there were “about 14” British Typhoon jets stationed at Akrotiri, while clarifying that the UK was not involved in recent US bombing raids targeting Iranian nuclear facilities.
In a related context, there have been indications that the US may seek permission to station aircraft in Cyprus for future operations against Iran. This speculation follows warnings from Iran directed at the US, UK, and France regarding their bases and ships in the region.
Cyprus has also served as a launchpad for RAF operations against Islamic State targets in Syria. Amid these developments, former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn has claimed that the Akrotiri base is being utilised to supply weaponry to Israel.
