New York, United States. Israel’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Danny Danon, said on Tuesday that Iran’s actions involving Cyprus reflect what he described as Tehran’s growing desperation. He said attacks extending beyond Israel into the wider region, including Cyprus, signalled panic rather than a coherent strategy.
Danon’s remarks at the United Nations
Speaking to correspondents at the United Nations, Danon said Iranian missile and drone activity had raised security alerts on Cyprus and described it as “panic” and “despair,” rather than strategy.
He said missiles had been launched not only at Israel but also “against states in the region, and even on European soil, in Cyprus,” which he described as deeply destabilising.
Claims about targeting and civilian impact
Danon contrasted Iran’s conduct with that of Israel and the United States, saying their joint military campaign was focused strictly on military objectives.
“We target military infrastructure, they target families,” he said, accusing Tehran of attempting to terrorise civilians at home and abroad. He added that Iran “terrorises its own people, it terrorises us, and now it is trying to terrorise the region and the world”.
Cyprus alert status and official messaging
Cyprus has been on heightened alert following drone incidents involving the British base at RAF Akrotiri, though the Cypriot government has repeatedly said the republic itself is not a target.
Authorities said measures taken so far are precautionary and aimed at protecting civilians and critical infrastructure. Cypriot officials have urged calm, reiterating that the state is not participating in military operations and remains focused on safeguarding public safety.
How do you assess the impact of the heightened alert measures in Cyprus on public safety and daily life?