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British citizens were arrested for spying on behalf of Iran near a British Air Force Base in Cyprus.
Cypriot authorities said on Saturday that they had detained the man on charges of “terrorism and spying.”
British people familiar with the arrests did not object to local Cypriot media reports that alleged spying was suspected of working in Iran.
He is said to have monitored the UK’s Akrotiri base on the Eastern Mediterranean Island and the air base in Andrea Papandreu, Cyprus, which is sometimes used by the US Air Force.
The Foreign Federation Development Office said the man was British and they were “in contact.” [with] Cyprus authorities regarding arrests.”
Cypriot officials initially described the suspect as Azerbaijan. The UK could not immediately confirm if he held dual citizenship.
After appearing in a Cyprus court on Saturday, the man was detained for eight days on suspicion of spying.
“Today, following the coordinated operation by the police headquarters, a person believed to be linked to terrorist conduct has been arrested,” the Cyprus government said.
They added that the district court has issued detention orders “for criminal conduct related to terrorism and espionage.”
They declined to further comment on citing more national security reasons.
Cyprus officials said they had been monitoring their allies for the past month. Cyprus media reported that local police operations were supported by British overseas intelligence services, MI6, and the Mossad in Israel.
The UK Department of Defense has directed inquiries to FCDO, which works closely with MI6, to support British citizens arrested overseas.
The UK government’s longstanding policy is not to acknowledge or deny claims related to information issues.
The arrest is when Israel’s war with Iran enters day 8 and gets heavy as the US enters a conflict to destroy Tehran’s nuclear program.
The UK has moved additional fighter jets and other military assets into the region in what Prime Minister Kiel calls emergency measures. Part of the typhoon jet was expected to be sent to Cyprus.
On Friday, the British military plane was thwarted by a group of Palestinian activists at Brise Norton, the RAF’s largest base, invaded security and sprayed paint on the engines of several planes.
The UK plans to ban Palestinian actions as a terrorist organization next week.
There were few indications that the UK would take part in a strike on Iranian territory. Priorities highlighted de-escalation and diplomacy this week, but said Iran should not acquire nuclear weapons.
Last weekend, it alluded to that British military assets could be used to protect Israel when exchanging strikes with Iran. Iran is threatening to attack British troops in the region if it supports Israel.
The RAF Jets launched against Israel last April and assisted in shooting down an Iranian projectile that helped identify targets in October, but the UK has not been involved in the latest combat.
Israel’s London ambassador to London said this week that he had not called for help or discussed the UK.
Also, if the Trump administration decides to take part in the war, it may be necessary to weigh whether the US will allow Diego Garcia’s joint UK-US base to be used in the Chagos Archipelago.
The B2 stealth bomber located on the island is the only military aircraft capable of supplying the largest “bunkerbuster” bombs believed to be able to penetrate Iran’s underground nuclear sites near Foldau.
On Friday, British Foreign Secretary David Lamy met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragut from France and Germany and his counterparts.
Ramie said he was trying to provide Iran with a diplomatic “off-ramp” but warned Tehran that talks should be held with the US even without a ceasefire with Israel.
