War fuels debate in Cyprus over UK military bases

“British Bases Out” is the slogan of Cypriot protesters after a drone strike targeted the RAF Akrotiri airbase.

On March 2, 2026, a British Royal Air Force base in Akrotiri, Cyprus, was struck by an Iranian-made drone, escalating tensions amid the ongoing Iran war. Though no casualties occurred, the drone impacted the runway, prompting heightened security. Additional unmanned drones aimed at the base were later intercepted. The U.K. deployed enhanced defenses, including radar systems and F-35 jets, to the area. These developments follow U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Although the U.K. initially took no part in the strikes, increased Iranian aggression—including near-misses involving British personnel in Bahrain—led Prime Minister Keir Starmer to approve U.S. use of British bases for defense operations. This marks a significant reversal from earlier refusals. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper emphasized the growing international nature of the threat, highlighting dangers to British citizens abroad. Amid regional drone activity, airports in Cyprus were evacuated, and the U.K.'s terror threat level is now under review. The U.K. also coordinated with Qatar to intercept a direct Iranian threat, affirming its expanded defensive stance in response to Iran’s widespread attacks.

Cyprus, due to its strategic location, has once again been drawn into Middle Eastern tensions following a drone strike at the British RAF Akrotiri base on the island. The drone attack, thought to have originated from Hezbollah in Lebanon, marks the first assault by a third party on Cypriot soil since Turkey's 1974 invasion. Though no injuries occurred and damage was limited, the attack underscores Cyprus's vulnerability due to the presence of significant UK military bases, remnants of its colonial history. While the UK claims the strike was unrelated to its recent decision to let the US use its Cypriot bases for operations against Iran, the incident reflects escalating regional tensions potentially drawing Cyprus into broader conflicts. In response, Cyprus requested international assistance to bolster its defenses. Greece, France, Germany, and the UK are deploying warships, fighter jets, and anti-drone systems to help. Though Cyprus maintains it does not engage in military actions, the government’s pro-Western stance under President Christodoulides and deeper ties with regional allies have raised concerns about its exposure to geopolitical risks. British bases continue to influence Cypriot policy, complicating efforts to maintain neutrality.

Cyprus’s foreign minister has said there are “questions” about the future of the UK’s military bases on the island after the drone strike last Sunday. The attack on RAF Akrotiri, suspected to have been launched by Hezbollah in Lebanon, caused minimal damage and did not result in casualties. Further drones were intercepted and the Ministry of Defence temporarily moved families from the base. The attack has triggered a diplomatic fallout, with the Cypriot high commissioner to the UK, Kyriacos Kouros, saying the country was “disappointed” by Britain’s failure to warn people on the island of the impending strike. The Cypriot president, Nikos Christodoulides, openly criticised the failure to stop the drone attack. His spokesperson said last week: “All necessary steps will be taken to communicate our dissatisfaction, both with the way this message was communicated and the fact that yesterday there was no timely warning to citizens of Cyprus living near the Akrotiri bases.” The foreign minister, Constantinos Kombos, said on Friday there now needed to be a “conversation” about the future of the UK’s two bases in Cyprus.

Steliou said that some people believe the British presence provides security against Turkiye, which occupies the northern third of the island. But it is a view that she disputes, arguing the UK had “failed to intervene during the events leading to the island’s division”. Nico added that during the fighting in 1974, locals had sought refuge on the bases; now the reverse was occurring, with people wanting to evacuate the area out of fear that they would be attacked by drones or missiles. He said that on Monday, when the suspected Iranian drone attack occurred, some people got into their cars, scared and disoriented, and began driving away from areas surrounding the bases. There is a strong perception that the government lacks leadership and that nationals are not being properly informed. Many flights in and out of Cyprus have been cancelled, and in a country where tourism accounts for about 14 percent of GDP, the disruption could have a significant economic impact. On Tuesday, the UK’s Ministry of Defence said it was sending a warship to the island along with two Wildcat helicopters “to bolster drone defence for our Cypriot partners”, raising further fears that Cyprus will continue to be a target.

Protests in Nicosia demand the closure of British military bases following a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri, with concerns over Cyprus's involvement in the Iran conflict.

Hundreds protest in Nicosia against British military bases, calling for their removal amid concerns over Cyprus's involvement in the Iran conflict.

Hundreds of Cypriots stage a peaceful protest in Nicosia demanding the removal of British military bases and urging the government to keep the island out of the Middle East conflict.

The drone attack on RAF Akrotiri challenges Cyprus's image as a neutral regional outpost, prompting European defense deployments and raising questions about the role of British bases on the island.