Following recent developments in the war, Southern Cyprus has requested stronger and updated security guarantees from London regarding the British military bases on the island. The British press reported that “Iran’s retaliatory attack caught British defenses off guard.”
The Greek Cypriot administration is seeking to renegotiate existing security arrangements after the end of the conflict in Iran.
According to the British media, President of Southern Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides raised this demand during a lengthy phone call with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over the weekend.
1960 Agreement Back on the Table
Southern Cyprus’s request includes updating the 1960 agreement that established the British sovereign base areas on the island. Under this agreement, the RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases remain sovereign British territory.
The demands do not include closing the bases. However, the Cypriot administration is seeking greater information sharing and consultation mechanisms, particularly regarding military operations, deployments, and security risks.
Christodoulides stated, “We need an open and honest dialogue on the status and future of the British bases.”
‘Caught British Defenses Off Guard’
The developments come after Iran’s retaliatory attack carried out with low-cost drones. According to London-based The Telegraph, the attack “caught British defenses off guard and led to the deployment of European warships to the region.”
Due to the “kamikaze drones” launched by Iran, F-35B fighter jets from the Royal Air Force inventory took off from Akrotiri Base to respond.
It was reported that one drone struck a hangar in Akrotiri housing U.S. U-2 reconnaissance aircraft, causing limited damage.
France Steps In, Debate Grows
While the absence of British warships in the region during the attack drew attention, France was the first country to respond to Southern Cyprus’s call for assistance. According to British media, the French Navy’s support in protecting the island raised questions about the UK’s military capacity.
The British warship HMS Dragon reportedly arrived in the Mediterranean approximately three weeks after the attacks.
Economy and Tourism Also at Risk
The security crisis has also negatively affected Southern Cyprus’s tourism sector, which forms the backbone of its economy. Tourism accounts for approximately one quarter of the country’s gross domestic product.