# Iran-Cyprus tensions over British military bases > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iran-cyprus-tensions-over-british-military-bases > Updated: 2026-08-23T05:00:00.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3. Tensions have emerged regarding the potential use of British military bases in Cyprus during the Persian Gulf crisis. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi communicated to Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos that British sovereign bases, specifically RAF Akrotiri, should not be used against Iran. Following reports from the Financial Times suggesting that Tehran was considering expanding potential conflicts into European territories—specifically naming Cyprus and Bulgaria as possible targets for retaliation—Iranian diplomatic sources clarified that Cyprus does not face a threat from Tehran as long as the British bases remain neutral and are not utilized in operations against the Islamic Republic. Iranian sources further noted that previous claims attributed to regime insiders regarding strikes on European assets may be ‘unreliable speculation or reactions to external threats rather than official policy.’ In response to security concerns, the UK Ministry of Defence stated that RAF Akrotiri is protected by ‘robust, multi-layered security measures’ and that the security of British personnel and assets remains a top priority. Meanwhile, Cypriot officials have dismissed claims that the island is a target, noting that Nicosia maintains active diplomatic communication with Tehran to monitor the situation. Recent developments indicate an escalation in tensions involving cyber warfare. Iranian-linked hackers are believed to be responsible for a cyberattack on a small-scale power generation unit in the United Kingdom, which left the facility offline for four days. This incident follows previous warnings from Iran that British bases used by the United States could be considered ‘legitimate targets.’ ## Claims - Tehran is considering scenarios that could extend conflict to European territories, including Cyprus and Bulgaria. (disputed by 4 sources) - The Cypriot government maintains that the island is not a target for Iran. (disputed by 2 sources) - Cyprus faces no threat from Iran as long as British bases on the island are not used in operations against the Islamic Republic. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Diplomatic channels between Nicosia and Tehran remain open and active. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Statements attributed to Iranian insiders may be unreliable speculation or reactions to threats from other parties. (corroborated by 4 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Iran issues warning to Cyprus regarding British military bases Iran has signaled to Cyprus that its territory is not a target unless British military bases are used against Tehran, amid reports of an Iranian-linked cyberattack on a UK power unit. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-issues-warning-to-cyprus-regarding-british-military-bases ### 2026-08-19: Cyprus faces no Iranian threat if British bases remain neutral, says Tehran Iranian diplomats claim Cyprus is safe from strikes as long as British bases are not used against Iran, following reports that Tehran may target European territories. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-states-cyprus-is-not-a-target-if-british-bases-remain-neutral ### 2026-07-30: Cyprus FM Kombos Talks with Iran Over Use of British Bases in Cyprus Cyprus FM Kombos and Iran’s Araghchi discussed preventing the use of British bases in Cyprus for attacks on Iran amid heightened Persian Gulf tensions. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cyprus-fm-kombos-talks-with-iran-over-use-of-british-bases-in-cyprus --- Cite as: Iran-Cyprus tensions over British military bases. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iran-cyprus-tensions-over-british-military-bases