British Man Arrested in Cyprus Over Suspected Espionage, Terror Plot Linked to Iran

A British man has been arrested in Cyprus on suspicion of espionage and terrorism-related offences, amid allegations of surveillance targeting the UK’s RAF Akrotiri base.

Local media report that the man, believed to be linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was detained on Friday following intelligence suggesting he was planning an imminent terrorist attack.

According to the Philenews website, the suspect had been living in an apartment in Zakaki, Limassol, near RAF Akrotiri — the UK’s most strategic airbase for operations in the Middle East. He was reportedly seen near the base carrying a camera with a telephoto lens and three mobile phones.

Though initial reports identified him as Azerbaijani, the UK Foreign Office has confirmed his British nationality. “We are in contact with the authorities in Cyprus regarding the arrest of a British man,” a spokesperson said.

RAF Akrotiri has played a central role in UK defense operations, including past missions defending Israel from Iranian drone and missile attacks, and ongoing anti-ISIS efforts under Operation Shader.

The incident comes as military base security remains under heightened scrutiny, following recent intrusions by Palestine Action protesters at RAF Brize Norton in the UK.

Investigations into the man’s activities and possible connections to Iranian intelligence operations are ongoing.