The Republic of Cyprus did not participate, is not participating and will not participate in any military operation related to Iran, Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said on Tuesday, underlining Nicosia’s position amid the tension in the Middle East following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory actions by Tehran.
Palmas made the statement after a meeting in Nicosia with Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias, who is paying a visit to Cyprus amid regional security turmoil and a strike on the British Bases stationed on the island.
“Within this framework, and in light of the escalation, I reiterated that the Republic of Cyprus did not participate, does not participate and will not become part to any military operation,” Palmas said, stressing that Cyprus’ defence and security policy is firmly grounded in full respect for international law, strategic alliances and the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The meeting focused on the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East and its implications for the security of Cyprus. Palmas briefed his Greek counterpart on recent developments, including an incident involving a drone attack within the British Bases in Akrotiri and the timely detection and interception of other drones heading toward the same facilities.
He reiterated that Greece remains Cyprus’ most important partner on national issues and its strongest pillar of support. “Recognising this reality, we have developed close coordination with the Greek Ministry of National Defence and remain in daily consultation,” he said, thanking Dendias for his presence in Cyprus, which he described as a reaffirmation of the excellent bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Dendias, for his part, expressed gratitude for the warm reception by President Nicos Christodoulides and Minister Palmas at what he described as a critical moment for the broader region.
Referring to Greece’s decision to dispatch military assets to Cyprus, Dendias said that for Greek society and the nation, “Cyprus is not far away,” adding that Athens is demonstrating in practice that “Cyprus lies close.”
By decision of the Greek Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA), two pairs of F-16 fighter jets and two frigates of the Hellenic Navy have already been deployed to Cyprus to bolster the island’s air and maritime defence capabilities.
Dendias stressed that Greece’s decision reflects both a national and a European obligation and reaffirmed that Athens will remain present throughout the crisis to contribute in every possible way to the defence of the Republic of Cyprus, ensuring the protection of all lawful residents of the island and deterring any threats or unlawful actions.
He also echoed Cyprus’ position that it is not participating in military operations against Iran, and therefore any targeting of countries not involved in hostilities would be unjustified.
The Cyprus Minister was asked about media reports suggesting that Britain may deploy a warship to the region, saying that there has been no official information on the matter so far.
He added that, beyond Greece, other European partners as well as friendly and allied countries have shown readiness to support Cyprus in view of the volatile security environment affecting not only the island but the wider region.
