Escalating military conflict in the Middle East impacts Cyprus

On March 12, 2026, geopolitical tensions reached a critical level as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard declared readiness for total war. Hezbollah launched approximately 150 rockets at Israel, prompting an Israeli retaliatory airstrike on Beirut. Amidst these regional hostilities, concerns have shifted to Cyprus, where the Italian frigate Federico Martinengo has been deployed. Former US President Donald Trump commented on the conflict, referring to the recent operations in Iran as a strategic move against hostile actors, while promising that global oil prices would soon decline. Reports from earlier in the week indicated ongoing cross-border attacks between Iran and Israel, with impacts reaching countries in the Gulf. There are confirmed accounts of US forces utilizing British bases on the island as part of their regional posture. Consequently, residents in areas like Akrotiri have reported feelings of fear and uncertainty, leading authorities to offer psychological support to vulnerable groups.