Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said Sunday he spoke by phone with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who assured him “clearly and unequivocally” that Cyprus is not a target for Iran.
Christodoulides said in a statement that Nicosia and London remain in direct contact and that Cypriot authorities are closely monitoring developments.
He also held calls with the heads of the European Council and the European Commission, as well as the leaders of France, Italy, Lebanon and Qatar. The president has convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council for 5:30 p.m. at the Presidential Palace.
Earlier, Britain’s defense secretary said two missiles fired from Iran had traveled in the direction of Cyprus, where the United Kingdom maintains military bases. In an interview with Sky News, John Healey made the comment after repeated questions about Britain’s role in the conflict, later adding that officials were not certain “whether they were deliberately targeting our bases.”
Healey said about 300 British personnel were positioned near potential targets in Bahrain. He added that “few will mourn the death of the Ayatollah,” but said the wider regional consequences of strikes on Iran were now of greater concern.