Middle East Crisis Iran War

Cyprus is being reinforced after the attacks – France sends frigate and air defense

Cyprus is increasingly being drawn into a military buildup. Following the Iranian drone attacks on the British air base in Akrotiri, Greece announced yesterday that it was sending four fighter jets and two frigates to Cyprus.

Now France has announced that it will also contribute to the island's defense, reports Politico. A frigate, air defense and anti-drone systems will be sent.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also reportedly considering sending the destroyer HMS Duncan to Cyprus, according to the BBC.

The attacks on the British air base have not resulted in any deaths. Only limited damage has been reported.

Cyprus has assured its citizens that the attacks were only aimed at the base and that the country has not been drawn into the war. 

The Iran War – What Happened

• The US and Israel attacked Iran early in the morning of Saturday, February 28, Swedish time.

• Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack. A temporary council has taken over the government in Iran.

• Several high-ranking Iranian leaders, including the defense minister and the supreme commander of the Revolutionary Guard, are also reported to have been killed.

• Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and American military bases in about a dozen countries in the Middle East.

• Both sides have promised to continue the attacks.

• The situation has resulted in severe disruptions to air traffic and oil trade.

• Sweden has expanded its travel advice to the region. Thousands of Swedes are stranded in the Middle East after the airspace was closed.