Explosions have been reported at a British Royal Air Force base in Cyprus late Saturday night.
The Daily Mail reported that explosions were heard at the RAF Akrotiri Air Force base in Limassol at around midnight. It remains unclear whether the explosions were linked to Iran.
The reports come after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer granted the United States permission to launch “defensive” strikes on Iranian missile sites from UK bases. The outlet further reported that a “security threat” was declared at British bases in Cyprus. Personnel were warned of a potential threat and instructed to “return to your homes and stay inside until further notice.” They were also reportedly told to “move away from windows and take cover behind or beneath substantial, solid furniture” until future instruction, according to Cyprus Mail.
On Sunday, British fighter jets shot down an Iranian drone that was headed toward Qatar. The UK, as well as France and Germany, has also warned that it could take further measures against Iran in response to attacks on allies in the region.
In a statement Sunday, Starmer said, “Our partners in the Gulf have asked us to do more to defend them, and it's my duty to protect British lives.”
“The United States has requested permission to use British bases for that specific and limited defensive purpose,” he continued. “We have taken the decision to accept this request to prevent Iran from firing missiles across the region, killing innocent civilians, putting British lives at risk, and hitting countries that have not been involved.”
“The basis of our decision is the collective self-defense of long-standing friends and allies and protecting British lives—that is in accordance with international law, and we are publishing a summary of our legal advice,” Starmer added.
UK Defense Secretary John Healy revealed that two missiles from Iran were fired toward Cyprus, where the UK maintains military bases. Healy said the British government does not believe the bases were intentionally targeted, but “it shows how indiscriminate” Iranian retaliation currently is.
