Nicosia, Cyprus. European powers said they would work together to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea and send naval and other assets to protect Cyprus as the U.S.–Iran war entered its sixth day. The conflict has widened to the Mediterranean and beyond, affecting markets and pushing oil and gas prices higher.
Naval deployments and coordination plans
Italy, Spain, France and the Netherlands will send naval assets to protect Cyprus in the coming days, Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told parliament.
A senior source said French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with the prime ministers of Italy and Greece on Thursday and that they agreed to step up cooperation to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea and to coordinate the dispatch of military assets to Cyprus.
European leaders rule out direct involvement
The plans ruled out any direct involvement in the war, reflecting what was described as a delicate balance European governments are seeking over the conflict involving the United States.
“We are not at war and we do not want to enter a war,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a radio interview on Thursday.
UK discussions on Cyprus air defences
British Defence Secretary John Healey met his Cypriot counterpart on Thursday to discuss plans to further reinforce air defences.
“The longstanding friendship between the UK and the Republic of Cyprus is strong in the face of Iranian threats,” Healey said on X.
Britain has said it will deploy a destroyer to the region along with additional helicopters equipped with counter‑drone capabilities, though HMS Dragon is not expected to arrive until next week.
British role in defensive operations
Britain has not joined the U.S. and Israel in taking offensive action against Iran, though it has taken part in defensive operations including shooting down drones. The government has also given the United States permission to launch limited defensive actions from some British bases.
How do you think these deployments could affect security around Cyprus and shipping routes in the Red Sea?