Iran fires two missiles towards Cyprus as UK forces put on alert
Mar 1st 2026
Defence Secretary John Healey said two missiles were fired towards Cyprus, raising alert levels at British bases and near 300 personnel amid broader Iranian strikes, regional airspace closures and fears of further escalation.
- Two Iranian missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus, Defence Secretary John Healey said.
- Officials say it is not yet clear whether UK bases on the island were intentionally targeted.
- Around 300 British military personnel were stationed close to sites hit in Bahrain, according to Healey.
- Iran has launched wider missile and drone strikes across the region, causing explosions and airspace closures in several countries.
- The UK says it was not involved in the US-Israeli operation and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has convened Cobra and urged nationals to follow travel advice.
- UK forces in Cyprus, including RAF Akrotiri, are on heightened alert and the Ministry of Defence is monitoring the situation closely while warning further retaliation cannot be ruled out.