The conflict in the Middle East is getting worse. Bombings and missile attacks have been ongoing for nine days. Tehran has faced strikes on its oil facilities for the first time. Israel is targeting areas in Lebanon to hit Hezbollah, forcing many people to evacuate.
Iran has launched new attacks on Gulf countries, even after the Iranian president publicly apologized to the affected Arab nations. Earlier reports said that the Emirates struck back at Iran, but they officially denied this.
In the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is boosting its defense forces. Two Greek frigates and two pairs of F-16s are already in the area, along with a French frigate. More reinforcements from Britain, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy are on the way. At the same time, Turkey is sending two F-16s to the occupied territories to strengthen the defense of the Unrecognized Republic of Northern Cyprus.
On the diplomatic side, French reports say President Emmanuel Macron will visit Cyprus on Monday. Cypriot sources confirmed a meeting with President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the “Andreas Papandreou” airbase to discuss further defense cooperation.
Meanwhile, Cyprus Police are keeping tight security at key infrastructures and high-risk areas. They stress that there is no official information about any threat against the Republic of Cyprus, while preventive patrols continue to prevent any incidents.
