Cyprus, a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, is facing threats from both Hezbollah and Turkey. This has raised concerns about the potential for Cyprus to be drawn into a major conflict in the Middle East, with implications for the EU as a whole.
Geographically, Cyprus is situated in a complex neighborhood, with no official relations with Turkey due to the division of the island following a Turkish invasion fifty years ago. The island is located less than 200 kilometers from Lebanon and only 100 kilometers from war-torn Syria, making it part of a crisis region. Despite this, residents have historically felt secure on the island.
Recent developments in the Middle East have cast a shadow over Cyprus. Recent warnings from Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah have directly threatened Cyprus. Fidan suggested that Cyprus could become an operations center for the war in Gaza, while Nasrallah warned that any involvement with Israel in a potential war against Lebanon would make Cyprus a party to the conflict. These threats have sparked concerns about Cyprus’ neutrality and safety as well as its potential involvement in regional conflicts.
Cyprus has strengthened its ties with Israel in recent years, including joint military exercises and cooperation on security matters. This has drawn criticism from Turkey and Hezbollah, who claim that Cyprus could be used to support Israeli military efforts. The presence of British military bases on the island further complicates the situation, potentially involving NATO if the bases were targeted in a conflict.
Despite these threats and escalating tensions, experts believe that there is low risk of Cyprus being directly drawn into a major conflict in the Middle East
