Spillover of the Middle East War: US Think Tank: Greek Navy Repeats History, Deploying to Protect Cyprus from Iranian Threats

After Iran launched drones toward Cyprus, the Greek Navy immediately deployed to intercept – this is the second time in 2,500 years that Greece has defended the island against Persian aggression.

On Monday morning, an Iranian "Shahed" suicide drone attacked the British Royal Air Force Akrotiri base in Cyprus, which houses F-35 "Lightning II" stealth fighters.

Another two attack drones were intercepted, heading toward Cyprus.

Additionally, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps threatened to launch ballistic missiles and suicide drones toward the island nation until U.S. forces withdrew from the region.

Why Did Iran Attack Cyprus?

General Sardar Jabari of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated that due to the presence of U.S. and British air and naval forces in Cyprus, Iran's attacks on Cyprus would be stronger than ever before.

"The Americans have moved most of their aircraft to Cyprus. We will conduct a concentrated missile strike on Cyprus, forcing the Americans to leave the island," Jabari said in a recorded video speech.

The Akrotiri Royal Air Force Base is one of the largest British airbases in the Eastern Mediterranean. Britain initially prevented U.S. use of its base for offensive strikes against Iran. However, London later lifted restrictions, allowing U.S. forces to conduct airstrikes from British bases for defensive purposes. It remains unclear whether the Akrotiri Royal Air Force Base is being used as a transit hub for American aircraft.

Why Is Greece Defending Cyprus?

Shortly after Iran announced its intention to attack Cyprus, Greek military leaders stated they would assist in defending the island. Greece has a long-standing political, cultural, and social connection with Cyprus, and many Greek Cypriots have long sought formal unification of Cyprus with Greece.

The two countries signed a joint defense treaty in 1993, stipulating that Greece has an obligation to defend Cyprus in case of future conflicts.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias said in a news statement, "After the unprovoked attack on the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, I assured the Cypriot Defense Minister Vassillis Palmas that Greece will do everything possible to contribute to the defense of the Republic of Cyprus during the current crisis, in response to threats and illegal acts on its territory."

Dendias added, "Therefore, according to the decision of the National Security Government Committee, the Greek Navy frigate 'Kimon' and another frigate equipped with the 'Kentauros' (anti-drone) system will immediately head to the Republic of Cyprus."

The Greek military will also deploy two F-16 "Fighting Falcon" fighter jets to escort these ships.

Dendias and the Chairman of the Hellenic Army General Staff will also visit Cyprus.

The U.S. "Gerald R. Ford" aircraft carrier and its escort vessels are also located in the Eastern Mediterranean, but they are closer to Israel than to Cyprus. Nevertheless, their air defense shield can still block any Iranian munitions heading toward this strategic location.

The Importance of Cyprus

This incident highlights the strategic importance of Cyprus. Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, at the edge of Europe, Cyprus is a member state of the European Union and maintains increasingly close ties with the United States. The British military maintains a long-term presence at the Akrotiri Royal Air Force Base in Cyprus, a legacy of the island's colonial period under British rule. Cyprus is adjacent to Israel, the Middle East, and North Africa, making it an ideal operational base.

Greece and Iran Rekindle Old Conflicts

Historically interesting: The newly commissioned Greek frigate "Kimon" (HS Kimon) is heading toward Cyprus, named after the Athenian general Kimon, the son of Miltiades. In 450 BC, Kimon led 200 warships on an expedition to Cyprus, participating in the Greco-Persian Wars against the Persians.

Today, nearly 2,500 years later, Greek warships are again heading toward Cyprus, vowing to defend the island against Persian aggression.

Source: The National Interest

Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou

Time: March 2, Washington Time

Original: toutiao.com/article/1858618616127488/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author alone.