On Saturday, 21 March 2026, Britain clarified that its Cyprus Akrotiri airbase would not be deployed in its defence agreement. This defence agreement is applicable to America’s use of Britain’s military bases. This update was shared with media reporters after a voice call on Saturday, 21 March, which had occurred between Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
On Friday, 20 March, the UK government authorised the US to use RAF Fairford in England. This authorisation for the U.S. to use Britain’s military base is in addition to Diego Garcia in Mauritius. Diego Garcia of Mauritius is also a joint American–British military base in the Indian Ocean. These supportive provisions were made by Britain for the U.S. to execute defensive strikes on suspected Iranian missile-launching sites that were targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
It was, however, also indicated that the RAF Akrotiri airbase would not be involved in Britain’s contribution to its agreement with America. This refers to America using British bases in collective self-defence to restore stability in the region. The information was divulged by a spokesperson for Starmer’s office, who read out the referred British call content with Christodoulides.
On Monday, 2 March, an Iranian Shahed drone attack caused minimal damage to the RAF airbase at Akrotiri. This was when it struck facilities at the RAF Akrotiri airbase in southern Cyprus. Two other drones, also targeting the Akrotiri airbase, were later intercepted.
It was disclosed that there had been no other known security breaches in Cyprus. Britain has sustained sovereignty over two bases in Cyprus. This was when it granted its former colony independence, a little over 7 decades ago in 1960.
Making a statement, a Cypriot government spokesperson said that Starmer had reiterated that the security of the Republic of Cyprus is fundamental to Britain. So, besides the preventive measures already in place, it was decided to enhance the means.
Also, when nearing the end of the media briefing, the Cypriot government spokesperson asserted that the British Prime Minister had assured that the British bases in Cyprus would not be used for any offensive military operations.
Meanwhile, a source at Britain’s defence ministry had shared that a couple of Iranian missiles had been launched towards Diego Garcia, in Mauritius. The Iranian attack took place prior to Britain granting America its latest authorisation.
