The Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean find themselves at a critical juncture, with the latter considered collateral damage in a dangerous game by Israel aimed at escalating the war. Iran, through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, categorically rejected any involvement in attacks against Turkey, Cyprus, and Azerbaijan, while simultaneously denouncing a broader strategy of "staged" operations by Israel. Tehran's claims of false flag operations add to a series of disturbing reports from Iranian security sources regarding Israeli destabilization plans on European soil, even targeting holy sites such as the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Cyprus is at the center of these concerns, witnessing an unprecedented concentration of European forces as fears of a strike intensify. Present on the island are Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron, who held a trilateral meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.
Christodoulides: Greek F-16s and frigates reflect our shared history
"With feelings of deep appreciation and pride, I welcome you to Cyprus, at the southeastern tip of Europe. Your presence, beyond its high symbolism, holds essential significance for Cyprus, all of Europe, and our common home, the EU," Mr. Christodoulides initially stated, thanking them for their immediate response to his request for practical and substantial support and the clear message that Cyprus's security means Europe's security. France has proven to be a strong strategic partner for Cyprus, Mr. Christodoulides noted, recalling the agreement between the two countries.
"I thank you both for your unwavering support. And I want to thank Giorgia Meloni and Pedro Sanchez, as well as the peoples of Italy and Spain for their support," he said, stating that the four countries demonstrate the meaning of solidarity, sending a substantial message about Europe's capabilities and the path it must follow given today's geopolitical facts. Nikos Christodoulides made special mention of the deployment of F-16s and the frigate Kimon, noting it reflects the shared history of the two countries.
"We are traversing a period of broader instability. Developments remind us that anything happening in the Middle East has a European impact," he pointed out, explaining that it affects the collective European future, security, and stability. Therefore, he said, Europe must engage more actively and cohesively in the region, with an approach aimed at strengthening security, stability, and cooperation. The Cypriot presidency aims for Europe's strategic autonomy.
Macron: When someone attacks Cyprus, they attack all of Europe
"When someone attacks Cyprus, they attack all of Europe," Emmanuel Macron characteristically emphasized, noting that the Cyprus issue is a matter of concern for Paris as well. "Behind the text we signed lies commitment and our military presence. We want to express full solidarity with Cyprus, which was the target of attacks and missiles. That is why we sent the Mistral air defense system and the frigate," he noted. Referring to the frigate Kimon, he mentioned it was built in Lorient and is now in Cyprus.
Macron also underlined that the goal of the French presence is to strengthen the island's defense. "We want to express the will that we are by your side for the safe protection of European citizens and for their safe repatriation," he said. "Operation Aspides, coordinated by Greece, is proof of cooperation," he added, reiterating that the goal is the island's defense.
Mitsotakis: Cyprus is not and will never be left alone
"From here, we send a common, clear, loud, and decisive message of unity and solidarity. A clear message that Cyprus, as part of the European family, is not and will never be left alone," Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis initially stated, noting that the island's security is a priority. "The Greek Armed Forces moved first to be present, arrived immediately in Cyprus, and it will be historical that Kimon's first mission is here," he added.
Addressing the Greeks of Cyprus, Mr. Mitsotakis used high-pitched tones to underline the bonds between Athens and Nicosia. "My brothers, I am here along with all Greek women and men. We would be by your side even if we were alone. But we are not alone," he declared, stressing that Greece and Europe now express their solidarity with deeds and not just words. In this context, he reminded that the security of the island was set as a national priority from the first moment of the crisis, proven by the immediate presence of Greek frigates and F-16 fighters in Cyprus.
At the same time, the Prime Minister sounded the alarm regarding the side effects of the crisis in the Middle East, calling for total alertness and rejecting any complacency. He warned of the possibility of large refugee flows and stressed the need for Iran to abandon its political ambitions that fuel instability. He made special reference to the need to protect Lebanon and repatriate Greeks from the war zone, noting that the Lebanese government must be supported and large-scale operations in the south of the country avoided.
Iran's allegations of provocation
In more detail, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Iran did not launch attacks toward Turkey, Cyprus, or Azerbaijan. Speaking at a press conference, Baghaei stated that "no aggressive actions were initiated from Iranian territory" against these countries and hinted that some reported incidents might have been "staged." "We have repeatedly warned that the enemy may stage certain attacks in order to create a rift between us and other countries," he said.
Baghaei added that Iran remains "determined to maintain good and friendly relations" with the countries of the region, while underlining that Tehran has the "right to defense" if territories of other states are used to launch attacks against it. He concluded by saying that the ongoing war between Iran on one side and Israel and the United States on the other "is not a war of choice. It is a war of necessity imposed upon us."
Mossad wants escalation
Furthermore, Iranian security service sources told Al Mayadeen that Israel seeks the expansion of operations aimed at provocation (false flag operations) across the Middle East and several European countries, citing confirmed counterintelligence information. According to the source, recent attacks targeting Cyprus, Azerbaijan, and Riyadh were carried out by Israel, with Mossad playing a pivotal role. The source also emphasized that there is "reliable information" suggesting that similar security operations and military actions are expected to occur in the coming days.
An official at Iran's Ministry of Intelligence warned on March 7 of a potential Israeli plan to target the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied al-Quds (Jerusalem), in an attempt to blame Iran and the resistance movements. According to the Iranian news agency Tasnim, the official stated the plan might include a provocation operation using drones or missiles targeting the mosque complex. The official added that such an attack could take place before al-Quds Day, aimed at inciting Arab and Muslim public opinion against Iran and the resistance axis. al-Quds Day is an annual event of solidarity with Palestinians and opposition to the Israeli occupation of Jerusalem.
The Christodoulides - Mitsotakis - Macron trilateral
Against the backdrop of escalating tension in the Middle East, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis traveled today (3/9/2026) to Cyprus, a visit with a strong geopolitical and defensive imprint. The Greek Prime Minister will have a critical meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Paphos, at the "Andreas Papandreou" air base, where Greek F-16s have also been deployed.
The presence of the French President on the island, alongside the Greek Prime Minister, underlines the common European stance against threats faced by Cyprus. Meanwhile, warships from European countries, including Italy, are expected to sail to the region, strengthening Cyprus's defensive shield. The Greek Prime Minister, in his message, stressed that "when European territory is at risk, the response is immediate and strong," while the French President underlined the strategic partnership between Paris and Nicosia. For his part, Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias spoke of a "national obligation" for Greece to support Cyprus.
Akrotiri under evacuation status
In the meantime, the Akrotiri area remains under evacuation status until Friday (3/13/2026), with residents not returning to their homes until a reassessment of the directive. Akrotiri students will be transferred to schools in neighboring areas until residents return home. Furthermore, two British Wildcat helicopters have already been stationed at the British military base, while the destroyer HMS Falcon is expected in the coming days.
Six F-16s and air defense systems arrived from Turkey
Six F-16s as well as air defense systems are in the occupied territories, according to an announcement issued by the Turkish Ministry of Defense. According to the deputy director of the "civil aviation department" of Northern Cyprus, Askin Meseli, the aircraft are being sent for security reasons and the mission will not affect civilian flights.
Additionally, CNA had broadcast information from Turkish media claiming that the Turkish Cabinet will discuss today, under the chairmanship of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the deployment of F-16 fighter jets to the occupied territories. As Turkish media report, the table will also include the gradual implementation plans prepared by Turkey for the "security" of the occupied areas. They report that "evaluations will be made regarding the deployment of F-16 fighter jets in Northern Cyprus. The final decision regarding the method and timing of implementation will be considered." The Turkish Cabinet will also discuss the launch of the ballistic missile from Iran toward Turkish airspace, which was shot down.
Another topic to be discussed is the claim that the United States is organizing Kurdish groups to overthrow the Iranian regime. Regarding the issue, Ankara points out that Israel has been making efforts in this direction for years. These possibilities will be evaluated in the Cabinet.
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