1 March 2026

Iran launched two missiles toward British military bases in Cyprus, highlighting the potential threat to UK assets in the Middle East from Iran.

The Independent reported on this, citing UK Defence Secretary John Healey.

According to Healey, two Iranian missiles were fired in the direction of Cyprus, where British military bases are located. However, he said the military is “almost certain” that the missiles were not intended to strike the British bases.

Meanwhile, he added that this “shows how indiscriminate” Iran’s response is. He also noted that 300 British service members were near the targets struck by Iran in Bahrain.

The defence secretary reiterated the prime minister’s calls to halt the missile strikes and to “step back from the escalating, uncontrolled and indiscriminate attacks in the region.”

“Some of them were just a few hundred yards from the sites of the missile strikes,” he said.

John Healey confirmed that British aircraft are carrying out defensive missions in Middle Eastern airspace and are not involved in US or Israeli strikes on Iran.

He noted that the number one priority remains the safety of UK Armed Forces personnel in the region.

At the same time, he described the Iranian regime as “unacceptable” and reaffirmed the government’s longstanding position that Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons.

The United Kingdom previously participated in intercepting Iranian missiles and drones aimed at Israel during the 2024 escalation.

A Typhoon. Photo credits: Royal Air Force

At that time, as part of regional commitments to Israel, fighter aircraft from the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Air Force intercepted around 38 aerial targets.

In addition, the United Kingdom deployed four Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Qatar from the joint UK–Qatari No. 12 Squadron under the defence guarantees between the two countries.

Iran Launches Two Missiles Toward British Military Bases in Cyprus