UK deploys F-35s to Cyprus amid Iran strike fears

• Britain sends six “F-35B” jets to RAF Akrotiri to boost defensive readiness.
• Move comes as regional tensions rise and Washington weighs options toward Iran.

The United Kingdom has reinforced its military presence in the eastern Mediterranean by deploying additional fighter jets to Cyprus, a precautionary step linked to escalating regional tensions and the possibility of a US military strike against Iran.

Jets moved to RAF Akrotiri

British media reports said six “F-35B” fighter jets were transferred from RAF Marham in the United Kingdom to RAF Akrotiri, the Royal Air Force base on Cyprus. The deployment is aimed at strengthening defensive readiness and protecting the base and Britain’s sovereign areas should security conditions deteriorate.

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Sources said the move is part of routine security reviews conducted by the British military, but added that recent developments in the Middle East accelerated the decision as talk of potential military action against Iran grows.

The advanced aircraft join “Typhoon” jets already stationed in Cyprus, which conduct military missions over Iraq and Syria. Reports stressed that the role of the “F-35” jets is limited to defensive duties and base protection, with no mandate for offensive operations.

Wider British deployments

The Cyprus reinforcement follows another recent move by London. Last month, Britain deployed four “Typhoon” fighter jets to Qatar as part of a joint squadron with Doha, responding to a Qatari request tied to rising regional tensions and the need to bolster air defenses.

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Fragile diplomacy, rising pressure

The military steps come as US-Iran relations enter a particularly sensitive phase, oscillating between escalation and economic pressure on one side and renewed diplomatic efforts on the other.

Oman’s capital, Muscat, recently hosted direct talks between negotiators from Washington and Tehran in what was described as an attempt to reduce tensions and avoid a new military confrontation. The meeting followed months of stalled diplomacy after strikes hit Iranian facilities in June.

Talks under sanctions shadow

US President Donald Trump said talks with Iran would resume next week, describing the atmosphere as “positive” and saying Tehran showed a clear willingness to reach an agreement. On the same day, however, he signed an executive order signaling possible secondary trade tariffs on countries that do business with Iran.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the talks an encouraging first step, but said Tehran would only discuss its nuclear file and rejects including its missile program or defensive capabilities in any negotiations.

As US military activity in the region continues at levels higher than in recent weeks, concerns are growing that miscalculation could push the situation toward a wider confrontation, despite regional and international warnings over the consequences of further escalation.