UK Rules Out Cyprus Base for Iran Strikes After Escalatory Missile Attack on Diego Garcia

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has personally assured Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, that RAF Akrotiri, a British base on Cyprus previously hit by a drone, will not be used by the United States to launch retaliatory strikes against Iranian missile sites. The phone call on Saturday came just hours after it is claimed that Iran launched an unprecedented intermediate-range ballistic missile attack on the joint US-UK Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean.

During the call, Sir Keir underscored that while Britain continues its agreement with the US for collective self-defence in the region, including degrading Iranian missile capabilities, RAF Akrotiri would not be involved. The Prime Minister also emphasised the UK's commitment to the security of Cyprus as a close partner.

The assurance follows an urgent plea from President Christodoulides during the call on Saturday, where he urged Sir Keir to open discussions regarding the future of British bases on the island, signalling Cypriot concerns about their potential involvement in the escalating conflict. RAF Akrotiri was struck by a drone at the outset of the Iran War, highlighting its vulnerability.

The diplomatic exchange unfolds against a backdrop of dramatically heightened tensions following Iran's reported targeting of the strategic Diego Garcia facility in the Chagos Islands. US officials confirmed that two ballistic missiles were fired towards the base, marking the first time Tehran has deployed extended range ballistic missiles in the conflict.

Both missiles reportedly failed to hit their target; one is believed to have been intercepted by a US warship, while the other did not complete its flight. Despite the lack of impact, military analysts warn that the attempted strike, roughly 3,800 km from Iran, demonstrates a longer-range capability than previously assessed. Such a reach, if confirmed, could potentially put Paris in range and render London no longer, "comfortably out of reach".

The attempted attack on Diego Garcia was initially reported by the Wall Street Journal and corroborated by Iran's Mehr news agency. The UK Ministry of Defence has yet to comment on these reports.

Prior to the public confirmation of the Diego Garcia strike, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, issued a stark warning to the UK, accusing Sir Keir Starmer of, "putting British lives at risk", by allowing US forces to operate from British bases. Downing Street had previously given the green light for the US to conduct defensive operations from British territory, and now including Diego Garcia, a key strategic hub for long-range military missions in the Middle East and Asia.

Meanwhile, the United States is weighing its next steps amidst mixed signals. On Friday, former President Donald Trump suggested he was considering 'winding down' the Iran war, claiming the US was 'very close' to achieving its military objectives. He also hinted that responsibility for securing the critical Strait of Hormuz, through which 20 percent of the world's oil supply passes, could fall to other nations. In a further development, the US Treasury has temporarily eased some pressure on Tehran, allowing the delivery and sale of Iranian-origin crude oil for 30 days in an apparent bid to stabilise global energy markets.

During their call, Prime Minister Starmer and President Christodoulides discussed the economic impact of the ongoing conflict, agreeing that de-escalation in the region remains the paramount priority. The leaders pledged to stay in close contact as the situation evolves.