Cyprus Reacts to Iran's Attack on Israel

Over the past weekend, Iran launched hundreds of rockets and drones at Israel. Aircraft flew from British military bases in Cyprus. The country's President, Nikos Christodoulides, called an emergency meeting of the National Security Council on Sunday.

Iran's massive attack on Israeli territory occurred from Saturday night to Sunday. Around 400-500 drones and about 150 rockets were launched from western provinces of Iran. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), 99% of them were intercepted or shot down. Damage from the attack was minor, with only one military base in the Negev Desert in the south of the country being damaged. About 30 people were injured in the attack, but there were no reported fatalities.

Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that the strikes on Israel were carried out in self-defense. The attack was a retaliatory measure following Israel's airstrike on the Iranian consulate building in Damascus on April 1, resulting in the deaths of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including two generals.

On Saturday evening, British fighter jets were deployed to the area of the escalating conflict from the Akrotiri base in Cyprus.

Following the emergency meeting of the National Security Council, the President of Cyprus stated that the situation in Israel is "very complex." He emphasized that the island "is in no way involved in the escalation" and is not associated with any attacks.

The meeting at the presidential palace lasted just over an hour. Nikos Christodoulides expressed hope that further escalation of the conflict would not occur.

"We have discussed the situation in Cyprus and beyond and are closely monitoring developments. We must make difficult decisions that will be in the interests of the Cypriot people," said the head of state.

The statement from the Cypriot leader's press office also noted that Nikos Christodoulides is scheduled to speak with the President of the European Commission in the near future. After that, the President of Cyprus plans to negotiate with other European leaders, and on Wednesday, he will be in Brussels for an informal European Council meeting, where the situation in the Middle East will also be discussed.

"The international community is concerned about the possible continuation of the conflict, as any escalation leads to a situation getting out of control. Therefore, we urge and call for full restraint," said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Constantinos Kombos.

The Foreign Minister also emphasized that the Republic of Cyprus will in no way participate in any aggressive operations or actions against anyone.