UK Agrees to Allow US Use of Cyprus Military Bases for Defensive Operations Against Iran

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer accepted a US request to allow UK military bases in Cyprus — RAF Akrotiri and Dhekelia — to be used for 'defensive' operations aimed at intercepting Iranian retaliatory missiles. The move significantly expands Britain's direct military involvement in Operation Epic Fury beyond the air defense support previously provided. The Cyprus bases, among Britain's largest overseas military installations, sit strategically close to the Middle East theater.