The likelihood of Cyprus being accidentally hit by missile launches from the Middle East is slim, though it cannot be completely ruled out, a military expert told the Cyprus News Agency on Wednesday.
The statement followed public alarm after flashes of light and explosions were visible from the island’s coastal towns, prompting citizens and the media to seek official explanations.
Retired Colonel Andis Loizos, speaking to CNA, assured that Cyprus is currently outside the scope of Iran’s military ambitions. He also emphasised that the United States, having recently strengthened its ties with the Republic of Cyprus and using its infrastructure for “supply and support” purposes, would not allow such an incident to occur.
Loizos added that Iran itself cannot afford to strike any targets other than Israel.
However, he warned that Turkey’s potential involvement in the conflict, particularly on the Lebanese front, could be dangerous.
This followed statements by Turkish President Erdogan, who expressed support for Lebanon in the event of an Israeli ground operation.
According to Loizos, such support could include the provision of arms, ammunition, and military advisers, as Turkey might seek to leverage the situation to assert its influence in the region.
He added that illegal military infrastructures in the north could potentially be used for the purpose.
Regarding the British bases in Cyprus, Loizos highlighted the UK’s role in exchanging intelligence with Israel and other allies, such as Jordan, which recently intercepted Iranian missiles aimed at Israel.
Addressing the risk of escalation in the conflict between Iran and Israel, Loizos expressed his view that such a scenario remains unlikely, given the robust support Israel receives from its allies, particularly the United States.
He pointed out that Iran faces significant challenges – geographical, operational, technological and economic – that would hinder its ability to engage in direct conflict with Israel. As a result, Iran is limited to proxy strikes or symbolic actions, like Tuesday night’s missile launch.
