British National Held in Cyprus on Suspicion of Espionage for Iran

Cyprus authorities have arrested a British national on suspicion of spying on military bases for Iran, with foreign intelligence reportedly indicating plans for an attack.

A British man has been detained in Cyprus on grave allegations of espionage, specifically for conducting surveillance on a British Royal Air Force (RAF) base and a Cypriot air base on behalf of Iran. The arrest comes amid reports from a foreign intelligence service suggesting the man was also planning an "immediate terrorist attack," though the specific target remains undisclosed.

The suspect is alleged to have connections to Iran's powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Local media reports indicate he had been under surveillance since mid-April, focusing on RAF Akrotiri, which houses RAF Typhoons, and Cyprus’s own Andreas Papandreou air base.

The arrest was made in Zakaki, a suburb of Limassol, located just six miles from the British base. According to Cypriot newspaper Phileleftheros, the suspected spy was observed frequently near RAF Akrotiri, carrying a camera with a magnifying lens and three mobile phones. He is believed to have been taking photos with long-lens cameras and phones, utilizing other electronic devices, and making notes.

A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed, "We are in contact with the authorities in Cyprus regarding the arrest of a British man."

The individual appeared before a district court in a closed hearing on Saturday and has been issued an eight-day detention order, allowing for further investigation. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about foreign influence and potential threats to military installations in the region.