By By Elizabeth Ugbo
An Iranian drone struck the runway of RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus just after midnight on Monday, damaging the British military base near Limassol, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK would not join offensive strikes against Iran but would allow US defensive use of its bases.
Drone Strike on RAF Akrotiri
Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides said a Shahed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed into facilities at RAF Akrotiri.
The base sits near the southern city of Limassol and operates as a British Overseas Territory.
According to officials, the drone hit the airport runway. However, authorities reported only minor material damage.
The strike followed rising tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
UK Not Joining Offensive Strikes
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Britain made a deliberate decision not to join the initial US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
“We all remember the mistakes of Iraq. And we have learned those lessons,” Starmer said in a video address.
He stressed that the UK would not take part in offensive military action.
However, he confirmed that Britain agreed to a US request to use its bases for limited defensive operations.
Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer reinforced the message. He insisted the UK “is not at war.”
Government Response and Security Measures
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said the government is reviewing all options to protect British nationals.
She confirmed the drone targeted the runway at RAF Akrotiri.
Meanwhile, authorities continue to assess the security situation across the region.
More than 100,000 UK nationals have registered their presence in the Middle East.
Officials estimate around 300,000 British citizens live in Gulf countries now affected by Iranian actions.
Cooper urged nationals to register with UK authorities and follow local safety advice.
British Nationals in the Region React
Scottish teacher Felicity Flanagan, who lives in Dubai, said she heard loud explosions while at the beach with friends.
She has since remained indoors and is following British embassy guidance.
Airspace closures in parts of the Gulf have also disrupted travel plans.
As a result, some citizens may require government assistance to return home if conditions worsen.
Legal Perspective on the Conflict
Rosa Freedman, an international law expert at the University of Reading, described the current situation as “materially different” from the 2003 Iraq war.
She noted that the hostilities stem from broader regional tensions, including the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel and concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Rising Regional Tensions
The strike on RAF Akrotiri highlights the widening impact of the Middle East conflict.
Although Britain avoided direct offensive involvement, Iran’s actions have now targeted a UK military installation.
Nevertheless, UK officials maintain that their role remains defensive and limited.
For now, the government continues to monitor developments while prioritising the safety of British nationals abroad.
