Cyprus seeks guarantees from UK on use of military bases

The Cypriot government intends to request formal assurances from the United Kingdom regarding the future use of the sovereign base areas at Akrotiri and Dhekelia. Nicosia aims to prevent any future UK administration from unilaterally using these bases for offensive military operations in the region. This initiative follows concerns about a potential shift in policy, particularly regarding the stance of political figures such as Nigel Farage. Prime Minister Keir Starmer currently restricts the use of the bases to limited defensive purposes after previously declining US requests for offensive strikes against Iran. Tensions were further exacerbated following an Iranian drone strike on RAF Akrotiri on March 2, 2024. Cypriot officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of communication from London during that incident. Discussions between the two nations are scheduled to commence once the current conflict involving Iran concludes. These sovereign bases have remained under British control since Cyprus gained independence in 1960.