As the UK keeps its distance for now from the growing conflict in the Eastern Mediterranean, and the British bases in Cyprus say they did not participate in Israel’s attack on Iran, the UK Foreign Office on Friday changed its travel advisory for Cyprus.

“Ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region,” the travel advisory warned.

“There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times,” it added.

It said that although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, “attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.”

British visitors are advised to monitor local and international media for the latest information, be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities, the advisory said.

Reports early in the day in the wake of Israel’s attack, Britain said it would not protect Israel as Iran retaliates against overnight, according to reports.

Sky News later said “Britain is not currently providing military support to Israel” to defend against Iran’s retaliation.

British warplanes “were not currently involved” it said but that “this could change” as the situation develops.

Any such developments on the part of the UK could impact Cyprus indirectly since the island has two sovereign British bases, which in times of regional conflict are often cited as potential targets in the Eastern Mediterranean.

A statement from the bases on Friday said: “We are monitoring reports regarding Israel’s overnight air strikes against Iran and can confirm British forces – including the British Bases- did not participate. As the Prime Minister said, we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region.”

In October 2024, when Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel, Britain said two of its fighter jets and an air-to-air refuelling tanker played a part in attempts to prevent further escalation, but that the jets did not engage any targets.

RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus was in May this year accused of supporting Israeli operations in Gaza through intelligence-gathering missions carried out from British soil.

The UK Ministry of Defence has repeatedly said RAF Akrotiri is used primarily for counter-terrorism and humanitarian missions.

However, Declassified UK and other media have reported on dozens of flights by surveillance aircraft from the base since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023.

The UK has denied directly sharing intelligence with Israel. But analysts told Declassified UK that data gathered through Nato or allied frameworks may still find its way to Tel Aviv.

“We cannot rule out that data collected from Cyprus is passed to Israel,” said one unnamed regional defence analyst at the time.

“If so, the British base becomes an accessory to war.”