The United Kingdom has confirmed that its military base at RAF Akrotiri will not be used in joint defensive operations with the United States, seeking to ease concerns over Cyprus being drawn
into escalating regional tensions.
The clarification followed a phone call on Saturday between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides. According to the British government, Akrotiri will remain outside the scope of ongoing UK-US military coordination.
US granted access to other UK bases
On Friday, London authorized Washington to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia to conduct defensive strikes targeting Iranian missile systems. These strikes are aimed at protecting shipping routes in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have intensified.
British officials emphasized that this cooperation is strictly defensive in nature, focusing on countering threats rather than initiating military escalation.
Security concerns in Cyprus
The announcement comes after a recent security incident at Akrotiri, where a drone believed to be of Iranian design caused minor damage earlier this month. Additional drones were intercepted, but no further attacks have been reported.
Cyprus hosts two sovereign British military bases, retained by the UK following the island’s independence in 1960. Despite regional instability, authorities say the situation on the island remains under control.
UK reaffirms defensive posture
In its communication with Cyprus, the UK reiterated its commitment to the island’s security and confirmed that preventive measures are being strengthened.
The Cypriot government stressed that British bases on the island would not be used for offensive operations, a point London has consistently underlined.
Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reinforced the government’s stance, stating that Britain’s involvement in the ongoing tensions involving Iran remains limited to defensive support.
“We will not be drawn into a wider conflict,” she said, adding that the priority remains de-escalation and a swift resolution to the crisis. Photo by Wikimedia commons.