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Cyprus Airbase Excluded from UK-US Defense Agreement Against Iran

3/23/2026

Center

UK Airbase Decision

The Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus will not participate in the United Kingdom's defensive agreement with the United States regarding operations against Iranian missile sites.
The decision followed a call between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Nikos Christodoulides.
The United Kingdom has authorized the United States to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for defensive strikes.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated the UK's commitment to defensive support against Iranian threats.

Right

UK Submarine Deployment

Britain has deployed the nuclear-powered submarine HMS Anson to the Arabian Sea amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Iran has launched ballistic missile attempts targeting Diego Garcia, a U.S.-U.K. military base.
The United Kingdom has authorized U.S. defensive operations against Iranian missile threats.
Iranian officials have condemned Britain's cooperation with the United States and warned it could escalate the situation.

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UK Airbase Decision

The Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus will not participate in the United Kingdom's defensive agreement with the United States regarding operations against Iranian missile sites.
The decision followed a call between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and President Nikos Christodoulides.
The United Kingdom has authorized the United States to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for defensive strikes.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper reiterated the UK's commitment to defensive support against Iranian threats.

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