Ankara, Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said the likelihood of Cyprus becoming a target of an Iranian attack is very limited despite rising regional tensions. He added he did not believe Iran was likely to strike Cyprus at this stage.
Fidan’s assessment of risk to Cyprus
Speaking to Turkish media on Tuesday, Fidan said he did not consider an Iranian strike on Cyprus likely at this time. “The risk is limited, very limited,” he said, adding that for civilian installations there “may not be anything significant.”
Security measures and foreign deployments
His comments came as regional tensions entered a fourth day, prompting increased security measures in Cyprus and a visible build-up of foreign military assets linked to the protection of British bases and allied infrastructure. Several European countries, including Greece and France, have announced defensive deployments to the island, while Britain is reportedly considering additional naval protection for its military facilities.
Warning of wider escalation and global impact
Fidan warned that a broader escalation would pose severe risks beyond Cyprus, describing a prolonged and expanding war as the “worst-case scenario.” He said it could destabilise the Middle East and have serious global consequences, including potential disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz that could trigger turbulence in international energy markets and place heavy pressure on the global economy.
Cypriot government position
Fidan’s remarks were broadly consistent with statements from the Cypriot government, which has repeatedly stressed that the republic itself is not a target.
How do you think governments should balance defensive deployments with efforts to prevent further escalation?
