The British military base RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was hit by an Iranian Shahed drone, confirmed the British Ministry of Defence. The strike caused minimal material damage and there were no casualties, but British forces immediately activated reinforced defensive measures – radar systems, anti-drone systems, F-35 fighter jets and anti-submarine defences.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides ordered the closure of schools across the island and the introduction of evacuation procedures where necessary. "We find ourselves in a region of particular geopolitical instability," said Christodoulides, adding that the safety of citizens is "the top priority of the government".

The strike on Akrotiri came only hours after Britain granted the United States permission to use British military bases in Cyprus for operations against Iran. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer had previously stated that the unconditional response of Iran threatened British lives, which is why authorisation was issued to approve access to the bases.

The Cypriot president said his country does not wish to participate in any military operations, continuing the traditional humanitarian role of the island in the region. "We want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem," emphasised Christodoulides.

Cyprus, an EU member, is home to advanced Western military infrastructure. The attack has sharpened questions about the application of Article 5 of the NATO treaty. The Akrotiri base last came directly under threat in the 1980s, when Libyan forces directed their activities against it.