Cyprus fears British bases could be drawn into Middle East conflicts

Cyprus has expressed concern over the possible involvement of British military bases on its territory in escalating conflicts in the Middle East, and is seeking assurances to stop any future use of the island’s British military bases for offensive wartime operations involving Donald Trump, Politico reports.

Officials from both the UK and Cyprus acknowledged concerns that a future British government—potentially led by right-wing politician Nigel Farage, whose Reform UK party is currently leading in opinion polls—could adopt a different stance.

The country is urging the United Kingdom to provide formal guarantees if Farage becomes prime minister.

A senior Cypriot diplomatic official told POLITICO that Nicosia intends to revisit the issue after the conflict in Iran concludes.

The official, along with others cited in the report who were granted anonymity due to the sensitivity of security matters, said Cyprus had welcomed Starmer’s initial position on the bases.

In March, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined a US request to use British bases in Cyprus for offensive strikes against Iran.

However, he later permitted their use for what was described as a “specific and limited defensive purpose” aimed at countering Iranian attacks.

Cyprus now seeks binding assurances that future administrations, including one led by Farage—who is viewed as an ally of Trump and previously supported US military action in Iran before later questioning continued involvement—would not be able to independently authorise military operations from the bases.

No specific details were provided on how such guarantees might be structured in practice.

Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960, but the UK retained sovereignty over the Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov