Iran demands Cyprus prevent use of military bases against its interests

On Thursday, July 30, 2026, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to discuss regional developments amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. During the call, Araghchi formally urged the Republic of Cyprus to ensure that foreign military bases located on the island, including British sovereign base areas like RAF Akrotiri, are not utilized for hostile actions against Iran.

In response, Minister Kombos reaffirmed Cyprus's commitment to international law and the United Nations Charter. He stated that Nicosia has maintained communication with the British government regarding the matter and has received assurances that the UK military facilities in Cyprus will not be used for operations against any country, including Iran. The diplomatic exchange highlights the precarious position of Cyprus as a regional host to foreign military infrastructure during the ongoing conflict between Iran and other powers.

This development follows earlier reports of heightened regional instability and prior warnings from Tehran regarding the use of territory in neighboring countries for military staging. No further formal legal or diplomatic steps were announced by the ministries following this discussion, as both sides emphasized the necessity of continued diplomacy to maintain regional de-escalation.