Iran launched two rockets toward Cyprus on Friday, March 1, 2026, marking the first time Tehran has directly targeted a European nation, according to reports. The launches come amid heightened regional tensions and escalating exchanges between Iran and other nations.
British Defence Minister John Healey confirmed the attacks, stating that the rockets were aimed at Cyprus, where the United Kingdom maintains military bases. “We are confident they were not aiming at our bases,” Healey said, as reported by The Independent, “but this does demonstrate just how indiscriminate the Iranian retaliatory operation is.”
As of now, there are no reports of any impacts on the island. Healey emphasized the escalating risk of indiscriminate attacks originating from Iran, citing a recent incident in Bahrain. “Let me grant you two examples. Yesterday, we had 300 personnel at the base in Bahrain that was attacked by Iranian rockets and drones, some of them within a few hundred meters. And we had two rockets fired towards Cyprus…,” Healey explained in an interview with Sky News. “We don’t believe they were aiming at Cyprus, but nevertheless, it’s an example of the real and growing threat we face from a regime that is attacking arbitrarily in the region.”
Healey declined to comment on whether the United Kingdom would become directly involved in potential U.S. And Israeli operations against Iran. However, he affirmed that British forces would intercept any projectiles threatening allied nations. “When our aircraft are flying from Qatar, they defend against rockets and drones aimed at Qatar. When they fly from Cyprus, they do the same for Cyprus. But, of course, when our aircraft are in the air and see rockets or drones aimed at other states, they will shoot them down,” he stated.
The development underscores growing regional instability and raises concerns about potential escalation. Further details are expected to emerge as the situation unfolds.
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