Anger in Cyprus over UK bases as US-Israel war with Iran endangers island

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Nils AdlerMarch 6, 2026 at 09:03 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

In March 2026, protests erupted in Cyprus over the presence of UK military bases, specifically RAF Akrotiri, after a suspected Iranian drone strike on the base. The incident occurred shortly after US-Israeli attacks on Iran, fueling Cypriot fears of being drawn into a regional conflict. Protesters are demanding the removal of the bases, remnants of British colonialism since Cyprus's independence in 1960. The UK retained Akrotiri and Dhekelia as sovereign base areas, which have been used for military operations in the Middle East, including support for Israeli operations. The situation is further complicated by Prime Minister Keir Starmer allowing the US to use the bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites, intensifying the debate over the UK's military presence on the island.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Limassol 40% Melanie Steliou Nicolaou 40% Dhekelia 40% Keir Starmer 50% Gaza ×250% Israel ×460% United States ×460% Akrotiri ×260% RAF Akrotiri ×370% Iran ×470% UK ×580% Cyprus ×790%

Keywords

uk bases 100% cyprus 90% regional conflict 70% us-israel war 60% british colonialism 60% raf akrotiri 60% military operations 50% iranian drone 50% sovereign base areas 40%