Britain is boosting its military presence in Cyprus as concerns grow that a possible US strike against it could spark a wider regional conflict in . According to a report in the Times, six Royal Air Force F-35B fighter jets took off on Friday, February 6, from Markham Air Force Base in Norfolk to the British base in Akrotiri, with the mission of strengthening defenses in the event of a dangerous escalation.
Reinforcement of Akrotiri with F-35 and Typhoon
The F-35Bs are added to the Typhoon fighters already permanently stationed in Cyprus and conducting operational flights over Iraq and Syria. The aircraft have been deployed in a purely defensive role, while the Typhoons are taking part in Operation Shader, the British military mission against Islamic State remnants in the wider region.
Mobility in the Persian Gulf as well
British mobility is not limited to Cyprus. Last month, four RAF Typhoons from the joint UK-Qatar No. 12 Squadron deployed to , at the request of the country’s government, which cited rising regional tensions. This development is part of the general framework of strengthening the military presence of Western forces in the Middle East.
US-Iran talks in Oman and new sanctions
The military moves coincide with crucial talks between Iran and the United States in Oman, which have been held alongside a massive military build-up in the region. It was the first direct meeting between the two sides since the US participated in the Israeli attacks on Iran last June, which caused severe damage to nuclear facilities and interrupted the negotiations.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks as “positive”, noting that there was an agreement to continue negotiations. Washington’s stance, however, appeared less clear as new sanctions on Iranian oil exports were announced shortly after the talks ended.
Tehran’s clear message to Washington
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Abbas Araghchi warned that in the event of a new US attack, Iran would respond by targeting US military bases in the region. As he emphasized, Tehran does not intend to attack neighboring countries, but American facilities located within them, underscoring the difference between the two options.
At the same time, Iran insists it is seeking recognition of its right to enrich uranium, while rejecting the inclusion of its missile program in the negotiations, arguing that doing so would leave it vulnerable to future Israeli attacks. In this fragile environment, the strengthening of the British presence in Cyprus acquires particular geopolitical weight, as the island remains a focal point for the military balances in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
