UK bases Cyprus remain off limits for US operations in the ongoing conflict with Iran. Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the position on Monday while addressing parliament.
The announcement comes as tensions rise across the region after Iranian retaliatory strikes and as European governments, including Spain, clarify restrictions on US use of their military facilities.
Starmer: US cannot use UK bases in Cyprus
Prime Minister Keir Starmer told MPs that British military bases in Cyprus will not be used by the United States in its operations against Iran. He said the facilities on the Mediterranean island are “not suitable” for US missions.
On Sunday the UK leader approved a limited US request to use British bases for what he described as “specific and limited defensive purposes”. He stressed that the decision excluded Cyprus.
The position followed criticism from Washington, with US President Donald Trump calling the UK’s initial refusal “very disappointing”.
Iranian drone strikes and evacuations in Cyprus
An Iranian drone hit the runway of the UK’s Akrotiri air base on Sunday according to British and Cypriot officials. The strike occurred before London publicly confirmed that it would grant the US limited access to some of its bases.
Cyprus evacuated areas surrounding the base as a precaution. Paphos airport also underwent temporary evacuation before returning to normal operations. More than 60 flights were cancelled across Larnaca and Paphos according to airport authorities.
The UK Ministry of Defence said damage to RAF Akrotiri was “minimal” with no casualties. Family members living at the base were moved temporarily within Cyprus.
Greece deploys naval and air units to Cyprus
Greece announced the deployment of two frigates and two F-16 fighter jets to Cyprus. Its Defence Ministry said the move aims to assist Cyprus in countering threats and “illegal actions” targeting its territory. Defence Minister Nikos Dendias is expected in Cyprus on Tuesday.
Spain rejects US use of its bases in Iran confrontation
Spain also confirmed that the US is not using joint military bases on Spanish soil for operations involving Iran. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said the government will not authorise actions beyond existing agreements or those inconsistent with United Nations frameworks.
Defence Minister Margarita Robles added that Naval Base Rota and Moron Air Base could only support humanitarian needs if required. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, calling them a “dangerous military intervention outside international law”.
Iran: No hostility towards Gulf states
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Chinese counterpart that Tehran bears “no hostility” towards Gulf countries despite its ongoing response to US and Israeli strikes.
He said Iran’s actions targeted US military facilities and should not be viewed as attacks on Gulf states.
UK says it is “not at war”
UK Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer reiterated that Britain is not part of the US and Israeli offensive. He said London chose not to join the “first wave” of strikes but approved defensive cooperation due to “reckless attacks from Iran”.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper added that the UK is preparing contingency plans to assist its citizens across the Gulf where airspace closures have affected travel.
Iraq relevance and regional sensitivity
The developments highlight broader regional concerns. Iraq closely watches shifts in Western military deployments across the Middle East given its exposure to wider regional conflict and its role as a theatre of previous confrontations involving Washington and Tehran.
Historical sensitivity in the UK
Analysts in Britain noted that any military action in the Middle East is politically sensitive due to the legacy of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. The UK government remains cautious about being perceived as a main actor in the current confrontation.
Conclusion:
The UK, Spain and Iran outlined their positions as tensions intensify after strikes across the region. Britain maintains that its bases in Cyprus will not serve US operations while preparing for potential regional spillover.
