Spain says Cyprus “a victim of war” as European armada moves to shield island

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that Cyprus is “a victim of this war” as Madrid confirmed it will deploy a naval air defence frigate to help protect the island amid rising tensions linked to the US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Sanchez criticised the military campaign against Iran while defending Spain’s decision to assist Cyprus as a member of the European Union facing security risks from the regional escalation.

“This war in Iran is, in my opinion, in Spain’s opinion, a huge mistake,” Sanchez said.

“With the same determination that we say ‘no to war in Iran’ we are in solidarity and will help Cyprus, a country of the European Union that is a victim of this war.”

Madrid has ordered the deployment of the Spanish navy frigate Cristobal Colon to the Levant as part of a broader European effort to reinforce the island’s defensive perimeter following recent security incidents and heightened regional tensions.

Sanchez framed the move as an act of solidarity between EU partners while maintaining criticism of the broader conflict.

“Between allied countries it is good to help when there is a reason and to point out when a mistake is made,” he said.

“This war in Iran is a huge mistake that we will pay for.”

Spain’s deployment comes as several European naval forces position assets near Cyprus to strengthen air and missile defence capabilities around the island.

According to open-source monitoring, the French frigate, Languedoc and Greek frigates, the Psara and Kimon, are already operating in the area.

These ships carry advanced radar and missile defence systems capable of detecting and potentially intercepting drones and cruise missiles.

Their presence forms part of a wider European effort to deter further attacks following a drone strike earlier this week which targeted the British military base at Akrotiri.

The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its accompanying strike group are heading towards the Levant, adding additional air defence and surveillance capabilities to allied deployments in the eastern Mediterranean.

The Spanish frigate Cristobal Colon is among the most advanced vessels in the Spanish fleet.

Commissioned in 2012, the 146-metre warship is equipped with the Aegis combat system and AN SPY 1D radar, designed to detect and respond to aerial and missile threats.

With a crew of around 200 personnel, the frigate is designed for international missions including maritime patrols and security operations.