The British Akrotiri Air Base in Cyprus and military installations in Greece are among the potential targets of Iranian retaliation, according to the newspaper Hamshahri, which is owned by the Municipality of Tehran, amid new U.S. military strikes in southern Iran and warnings that the conflict could spread beyond the Middle East.
On its front page, the Iranian newspaper published a map of military installations in nine European countries, including Cyprus, Greece, Britain, Germany, France, and Italy, claiming that the list of potential targets for the Iranian armed forces is being revised without geographical restrictions.
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Special mention is made of the British base at Akrotiri, due to its role in reconnaissance, surveillance, and military support operations in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
The newspaper argues that military infrastructure in Europe used to support U.S. operations could be considered “legitimate targets” by the Iranian regime, in the event of a new major military escalation.
The conservative newspaper Kayhan also published similar reports, naming Cyprus and Greece among the countries where U.S. or NATO facilities could be targeted.
These reports are based on Iranian media coverage and assessments and do not constitute an official announcement.
This development comes just hours after new U.S. attacks on Iranian military targets in the Strait of Hormuz.
It should be noted that the Republic of Cyprus had confirmed last August, following similar reports about the possible targeting of Cyprus, that it maintains open channels of communication with Tehran and that it is not a target of Iran.
The new reference to Akrotiri also coincides with today’s statements by Iranian President Masoud Pezeskian, during the presentation of credentials by the new Cypriot ambassador, in which he called for the strengthening of bilateral relations.
According to the Iranian news agency Mehr, Pezeskian referred to the historical ties between the two countries, noting that the current level of bilateral relations and cooperation does not reflect either their historical background or their existing potential.
He stressed that joint effort and political will are needed to develop relations in all areas, expressing the hope that the tenure of the new Cypriot Ambassador will contribute to a substantial strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
Referring to international developments, the Iranian President underscored the need for peaceful coexistence and constructive dialogue, noting that people should not be consumed by wars, aggression, and the use of force, but rather should seek cooperation and mutual understanding.
Source: CNA
