Fidan says risk of Iran targeting Cyprus remains very limited

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Tuesday played down the likelihood of Cyprus becoming a target of an Iranian attack, describing the risk as very limited despite rising regional tensions.

Speaking to Turkish media, Fidan said he did not believe Iran was likely to strike Cyprus at this stage.

“I don’t consider it likely at this time,” he said.

“The risk is limited, very limited. For civilian installations, there may not be anything significant.”

His comments come as regional tensions enter 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.

Fidan warned, however, that a wider escalation of the conflict would pose severe risks well beyond Cyprus.

He described a prolonged and expanding war as the “worst-case scenario”, cautioning that it could destabilise the entire Middle East and have serious global consequences.

Particular concern, he said, centred on the possibility of disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a development that could trigger turbulence in international energy markets and place heavy pressure on the global economy.

Fidan’s remarks were broadly consistent with statements from the Cypriot government, which has repeatedly stressed that the republic itself is not a target.

Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Monday that Cyprus was operating under full operational readiness following drone incidents involving the British base at RAF Akrotiri, but emphasised that all measures taken were precautionary and aimed at safeguarding public safety.

While Iranian military figures have issued threatening rhetoric in recent days, Cypriot officials have sought to reassure the public, urging calm and warning against speculation.