Regional Tensions Escalate as National Security Council Convenes
In response to the recent drone strikes by Iran targeting Israel, the National Security Council of Cyprus convened an urgent meeting on Sunday morning. The session, which commenced at 9:30 AM, follows a series of strategic discussions held by President Nikos Christodoulides, who presided over a similar meeting concerning Middle East affairs just two days prior.
Amidst the escalating situation, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos expressed his apprehension on Saturday regarding the potential repercussions of the Iranian offensive on Israel and its implications for Cyprus. Emphasizing the need for swift action, Kombos highlighted that the island nation is bracing for various scenarios, underlining the urgency as “diplomatic and political time has been squeezed.”
In a show of support for Israel’s defence, British fighter jets took off from Akrotiri bases in Cyprus. These developments were confirmed by UK sources to the Cyprus Mail, although details on the exact number and timing of the deployment were not immediately available. Reports have also surfaced of British and American warplanes intercepting Iranian drones over the Iraq-Syria border.
Iran has issued a stern warning of retaliation following an alleged Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus on April 1, which resulted in the deaths of seven Revolutionary Guards officers, including two high-ranking officials. Israel has maintained a policy of ambiguity regarding the incident, neither confirming nor denying its involvement.
As a precautionary measure, Israel and Jordan temporarily closed their airspace on Saturday night, which has since been reopened as of Sunday morning. In a further development, the United Nations Security Council is set to hold a meeting later on Sunday at 20:00 GMT. This comes after Israel’s call for the council to condemn Iran’s aggressive actions and to officially recognize the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.
