RAF deployment to Cyprus
The United Kingdom has sent six Royal Air Force F-35 fighter jets to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus as part of broader regional defence measures amid escalating tensions with Iran. The deployment comes alongside the dispatch of four Typhoon jets to Qatar, aimed at safeguarding UK interests in case of Iranian retaliation.
US military build-up in the region
In recent weeks, the United States has moved substantial naval and air assets closer to Iran. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group are already operating nearby, with the USS Gerald R. Ford strike group expected to join shortly, potentially positioning south of Cyprus within days. These carrier groups are supported by destroyers with air defence and Tomahawk missile capabilities, submarines, and other support vessels.
US aerial refuelling tankers have also repositioned to Europe and the Middle East, and more than 100 combat aircraft are reportedly available across multiple bases, including RAF Akrotiri, Aviano in Italy, Spain, the Azores, and Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean.
UK position on US strikes
Despite the military presence, the British government has not authorised the US to launch attacks against Iran from British bases such as Diego Garcia or RAF Fairford. Approval is required under existing agreements and has not been granted, partly due to concerns over potential breaches of international law.
Statements from US leadership
US President Donald Trump indicated that a decision on Iran, whether a deal or military action, would emerge within roughly 10 days. He noted that US forces might need to use Diego Garcia and Fairford to counter potential threats from Iran, warning that such attacks could also target the UK and allied nations.
RAF Akrotiri’s role
RAF Akrotiri, one of the UK’s Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, has historically served as a staging point for operations in the Middle East. There is no official evidence that the current F-35 deployment is intended for direct participation in strikes against Iran.
Also read: Iran warns it will target US sites and bases if attacked
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