Cyprus rejects Iran escalation fears, says it remains ‘pillar of stability’

Local British BasesiranMiddle EastTop NewsUnited States Cyprus rejects Iran escalation fears, says it remains ‘pillar of stability’ British Bases Relevant News Cyprus rejects Iran escalation fears, says it remains ‘pillar of stability’ 20 August 2026 Illegal jet ski and boat rentals putting swimmers at risk, association warns 20 August 2026 Cyprus pension reform avoids cuts but unions raise concerns 20 August 2026 Andreas Bimbishis 20 August 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Cyprus could be among Iran’s possible retaliation targets in Europe if the United States strikes Iranian infrastructure, the Financial Times has reported. Nicosia responded by stressing it remains focused on diplomacy rather than escalation. The FT report raises the possibility of the conflict expanding beyond the Middle East, with attacks on US military targets in Europe. It names installations in southeastern Europe, including Cyprus and Bulgaria, as possible targets, with particular reference to the British Base at Akrotiri, which was hit by a drone in March. Iranian sources cited in the report warn that Tehran could abandon its limited Middle East strategy and extend retaliation to European soil if the US strikes Iranian infrastructure. The FT also reports that Iranian armed forces have examined scenarios for attacking undersea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz. Two sources with knowledge of the discussions told the FT that Iranian forces have assessed scenarios for attacks on US military installations in southeastern Europe, including Bulgaria. Sofia approved the use of its Bezmer air base by US refuelling aircraft last month. One of the sources said Cyprus could be among possible retaliation targets because of the presence of the British Bases. ‘Pillar of stability’ Cyprus was targeted by Iran last March over the Akrotiri base. It has since moved quickly to stress that the Republic remains a factor of stability and is focused on diplomacy. A government source contacted by philenews to comment on the FT report said what matters most for Nicosia, and is absolutely clear, is that Cyprus “does not threaten anyone” and is not a factor of military escalation in the region. Instead, the source said, the country functions as “a pillar of stability, security and cooperation” and a bridge between the EU and the wider Middle East. The same official stressed that the Republic maintains open diplomatic channels with Iran as well, through which Cyprus’s facts, positions and role are conveyed “with clarity and precision.” On the British Bases, they added that Nicosia’s positions are “known and have been stated where necessary.” The source noted that Nicosia stresses at every opportunity that the Republic has for 52 years been suffering the consequences of military invasion and illegal occupation by Turkey. This, they said, means Cyprus knows “better than many what the use of force” and violation of international law mean. On developments in the wider Middle East, the same official said Cyprus chooses “diplomacy, stability and de-escalation,” adding that this has been and remains the country’s role in the region. Precautionary measures in place Cyprus has been taking increased measures for precautionary reasons for several months, a competent source told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). “We have had increased measures, precautionary, all these months,” the source said, adding: “We are closely monitoring developments.” The source was responding to the FT report naming Cyprus among Iran’s possible retaliation targets in the event of a new US strike. The source noted that four Greek F-16 fighter jets, along with the Greek frigate “Nikiforos Fokas,” are currently in Cyprus. Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Illegal jet ski and boat rentals putting swimmers at risk, association warns Cyprus pension reform avoids cuts but unions raise concerns Court to rule on custody in Paphos domestic violence case Trilogy Limassol Seafront: a dining destination Theta Mediterranean: seafood by the water in Pervolia Biker accused of running down officer, fleeing scene, loses court challenge COP31: Ankara’s Cyprus snub triggers Brussels warning Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.