UK says Cyprus base not part of UK-US self-defence deal
Source: Baird MaritimePublished: March 21, 2026

The UK stated that its Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus will not be part of the UK-US defense agreement after a call between PM Keir Starmer and Cypriot President. The UK government authorized the US to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for defensive strikes against Iranian missile sites. A Cypriot spokesperson noted that Starmer reiterated the importance of the Republic of Cyprus's security.
UKCyprusdefense agreement