---
title: "Cyprus demands guarantees from London: fear of British bases being used in war"
description: "Cyprus demands guarantees from the UK that future governments will not use local bases for military strikes on the Middle East 🇨🇾🇬🇧. Nicosia fears that Nigel Farage's party may change London's policy despite current restrictions. The incident involving the strike on the Akrotiri base has intensified the dispute over the sovereignty of the territories."
date: 2026-06-02T09:23:18.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/cyprus-demands-guarantees-from-london-military-bases-en
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Cyprus demands guarantees from London: fear of British bases being used in war

![British politician in a blue suit with a colorful tie against a natural background, symbolizing diplomatic negotiations between Cyprus and the UK](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/02/kipr-trebuet-garantii-ot-londona-voennye-bazy/kipr-trebuet-garantii-ot-londona-voennye-bazy-1.webp)

Cypriot authorities intend to obtain legal guarantees from the United Kingdom that future British governments will not be able to unilaterally use military bases located on the island to launch strikes in the Middle East region. Nicosia fears that if right-wing forces, in particular the Reform UK party led by Nigel Farage, come to power, the situation could change.

### The shadow of a new administration in London

In March of this year, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer banned the US from using British bases in Cyprus for offensive air strikes against Iran, allowing their use solely for limited defensive purposes. However, as sources confirmed to POLITICO, there is serious concern in both Nicosia and London that the next government might make a different decision.

At the center of attention is Nigel Farage, whose Reform UK party is leading in public opinion polls. Farage, an ally of Donald Trump, previously supported the idea of using British bases abroad for strikes against Iran, although he later revised his position, stating that the UK should not get involved in new wars if it cannot even protect Cyprus.

A senior Cypriot diplomat reported that Nicosia plans to raise the issue of guarantees after the conclusion of the conflict in Iran. The goal is to prevent a situation where Farage's government or any other could use the bases for military operations without coordination with Cyprus.

### Historical conflict and the strike on Akrotiri

The issue of sovereignty over the Akrotiri and Dhekelia bases has remained acute since Cyprus gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. London insists that these territories remain British sovereign zones. However, tensions escalated sharply after an Iranian drone struck the Akrotiri Air Base on March 3, shortly after the start of US and Israeli campaigns against Iran.

Cypriot authorities criticized London for insufficient communication regarding the incident. President Nikos Christodoulides demanded negotiations on the future of the "colonial" bases, expressing disappointment at the lack of information exchange and warnings for local residents. This event prompted Nicosia to seek support from European Union countries.

### EU position and legal aspects

The European Council confirmed that it recognizes Cyprus's intention to initiate a discussion with the UK regarding the status of the bases and is ready to provide necessary assistance. Mark Weller, director of the international law program at Chatham House, notes that while the UK is legally right regarding full sovereignty, the episode with Iran gives Cyprus an opportunity to revive debates on limiting London's powers.

Despite Farage's wavering, the Reform UK party officially states its support for the strategic importance of the bases and Britain's sovereign right to decide how to use them. Nevertheless, the party emphasizes that the country should not be drawn into unnecessary conflicts. Details of Reform UK's defense policy are expected to be presented on June 1, although the party does not yet have an official spokesperson for defense issues.