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The Cypriot government is closely monitoring developments after the United States launched air strikes on three nuclear sites in Iran, in what President Donald Trump called “the most difficult and perhaps the most lethal” operation yet.
The strikes, which hit Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan, targeted key parts of Iran’s nuclear program, according to U.S. officials and BBC reports. The Fordo facility, built deep inside a mountainside south of Tehran, was believed to be the most fortified of the three, requiring the use of massive American “bunker-buster” bombs that can pierce through layers of rock and concrete.
The U.S. coordinated the attack with Israel, whose surprise offensive last week against Iranian sites sparked a rapid escalation. In a televised statement late Sunday, Trump said the mission was aimed at preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon and warned that more strikes could follow if diplomacy fails.
Iran, meanwhile, has vowed to retaliate. Officials in Tehran warned of potential attacks on U.S. military bases in the region and key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-third of the world’s oil supply passes.
What it means for Cyprus
Though not directly involved, Cyprus is keeping a close eye on the situation. The island sits just a few hundred kilometers from the Middle East and hosts two British military bases, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, which are considered strategic outposts for Western powers operating in the region.
So far, there has been no official response from Cypriot authorities, but government sources say contingency plans are in place in case of further escalation. Travel and trade links with nearby countries could also be affected if tensions continue to rise.
Israel, which has put its own population on high alert, has already shut down schools and banned public gatherings in anticipation of further conflict. The risk of the fighting spilling across borders, into Lebanon, Syria, or the Gulf, has become a real concern.
A long-simmering conflict reignites
The latest round of violence began earlier this month when Israel bombed dozens of Iranian targets, saying it wanted to dismantle what it claims is Iran’s growing nuclear threat. Tehran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
Trump had previously warned Iran to return to the negotiating table within two weeks or face military action but acted just days later. Despite having campaigned on keeping the U.S. out of “stupid endless wars,” the president has defended the move as a matter of national security.
Under U.S. law, only Congress can formally declare war, but presidents can order limited military action without approval. Trump has bypassed Congress before and may face pushback from lawmakers worried about being dragged into another major conflict in the Middle East.
Consequently, much remains unclear, including the extent of damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities and whether the airstrikes will lead to broader conflict. U.S. officials say they have communicated with Iran through diplomatic back channels, assuring them that no regime change is planned.
But with more than 200 people reported killed since the latest fighting began and over 1,200 injured, the situation remains volatile. For Cyprus and the region, the next 48 hours will be critical.
