War moves closer as France also sends anti-missile systems and a frigate to Cyprus

Cyprus is stepping up security and hosting an increasing international military presence as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran entered its fourth day Tuesday, raising fears of a wider regional war just a short distance from the island.

Two pairs of Greek F-16 fighter jets have arrived in Cyprus, while Greek naval frigates are operating in nearby waters. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias is expected on the island Tuesday for high-level consultations as regional tensions intensify.

At the same time, France is deploying anti-missile and anti-drone defense systems to Cyprus along with a naval frigate, with a second vessel expected soon, according to information from the Cyprus News Agency. The move follows direct contacts between President Nikos Christodoulides and French President Emmanuel Macron. Germany is also expected to approve sending a frigate after a request from Nicosia, signaling growing European coordination centered around the island.

The security buildup comes as fighting between U.S. and Israeli forces and Iran shows no sign of slowing.

Trump signals longer war

U.S. President Donald Trump said the conflict could last four to five weeks, or potentially much longer, adding he has not ruled out deploying American ground forces.

His remarks followed an Iranian drone attack targeting the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, which Saudi authorities said caused a small fire but no casualties. Trump warned Tehran of retaliation, further heightening concerns of escalation.

Strikes intensify across region

Explosions were reported overnight in several areas of Tehran after Israel launched what it described as a new wave of extensive airstrikes against military targets in Iran and Beirut.

Satellite imagery indicated damage to facilities linked to Iran’s nuclear program in Natanz, while Iranian state media said a command building at a U.S. air base in Bahrain had been destroyed.

Iranian officials also threatened to target ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route, raising alarms over potential disruptions to oil supplies and international shipping.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the most severe American strikes against Iran “are yet to come.”

Since the conflict began, six American service members have been killed. In a separate incident, three U.S. fighter jets were shot down over Kuwait in what officials described as a friendly-fire accident, though all crew members survived.

Diplomatic efforts continue

World powers are simultaneously attempting to contain the crisis diplomatically.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot spoke Monday with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, with both sides agreeing to work toward de-escalation and a political solution aimed at regional stability. France stressed it was not involved in the U.S.-Israeli strikes.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he does not support “regime change from the air,” though Britain continues allowing U.S. forces to use its bases for defensive operations targeting Iranian missile facilities.

Meanwhile, protests against the military operation took place across several U.S. cities, where thousands demonstrated peacefully calling for an end to the conflict.

Travel disruptions spread

The growing instability is already affecting aviation across the region. Air France announced cancellations of flights to and from Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh due to security concerns.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem said it is currently unable to evacuate Americans seeking to leave Israel, highlighting the deteriorating security environment.

Cyprus watching developments closely

For Cyprus, located at the crossroads of Europe and the Middle East, the conflict is unfolding unusually close to home. Officials have increased coordination with European partners while monitoring security risks and regional spillover effects.

With military forces repositioning around the eastern Mediterranean and diplomatic efforts struggling to keep pace with events on the ground, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether the conflict remains contained or expands further across the region.