Cyprus questions British bases following Iranian drone attack, seeking security clarity
NICOSIA, Cyprus: Cyprus has begun discussions with the United Kingdom over the future of British military bases on the island, President Nikos Christodoulides announced Wednesday. The move follows a drone strike earlier this month on RAF Akrotiri, raising fears that the island could be drawn into the escalating conflict with Iran.
Cypriot officials and legal experts have long been uneasy with the presence of the two Sovereign Base Areas, which remain on what is technically British colonial territory. These bases have played a key role in Middle East operations for decades, but recent events have reignited debate over their security implications.
On March 1, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the United States would be allowed to use British bases for “specific and limited defensive purposes” targeting Iranian missile sites. This announcement prompted concern in Cyprus, as officials worried the bases might be exposed to military operations without proper transparency.
The March 2 drone strike by an Iranian-made Shahed drone at RAF Akrotiri intensified these concerns. Cypriot authorities criticized Britain for failing to provide timely warnings to the more than 1,000 residents living near the base.
President Christodoulides said, “We have a clear plan on how to proceed step by step on all issues related to the British bases in Cyprus,” though he declined to provide specifics. Cyprus is reportedly seeking new security arrangements under the 1960 treaty granting the island independence, while Britain maintains that the legal status of the bases is not up for renegotiation.
The Sovereign Base Areas cover just under 3% of Cyprus’ territory and have their own police and courts. Many Cypriots, including Christodoulides, view the bases as reminders of the island’s colonial past, though roughly 10,000 Cypriots live within the bases’ territory.
Previous adjustments to the bases’ operations have occurred. In 2014, Cyprus and Britain agreed to ease restrictions on private property development within the SBAs. Christodoulides indicated that current talks could involve broader negotiations, potentially along the lines of Britain’s 2025 agreement with Mauritius over the Chagos Islands, where sovereignty was returned but the base continued to operate under a lease arrangement.
Starmer’s office reassured Cyprus that its security remains a priority, emphasizing that RAF Akrotiri would not be used for U.S. strikes on Iran. Future dialogue will reportedly focus on transparency, intelligence sharing, and step-by-step measures to clarify the bases’ operational role.
Source: Reuters & The Times of Israel