Iran is reportedly planning to attack British bases if the US ramps up its military action in the Middle East. According to the Financial Times, Tehran is preparing a list of targets to strike if America renews its airstrikes, with British air bases on Cyprus named as potential targets for retaliation.
Ceasefire expires amid stalled talks
After launching an offensive with Israel against Iran in late February, a 60-day ceasefire was signed in June, but this expired on August 17. Over the last few weeks, talks have continued via intermediaries to end hostilities permanently and retain international access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane.
However, with the ceasefire agreement at an end, Iran is preparing a series of targets to attack if America renews its military campaign, according to the Financial Times. Sources close to the Iranian regime have said British air bases on Cyprus are on the list of targets for retaliation.
Previous attacks and other targets
Iranian drones attacked installations in Akrotiri, British territory on the island of Cyprus, in March. Other targets include US assets in south-eastern European countries such as Bulgaria, and the undersea fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz.
The list reportedly reflects a belief that a resumption of American attacks is a matter of when, not if, after peace talks stalled and a deal could not be reached before the ceasefire came to a conclusion.
Ongoing tensions and shipping disputes
Both sides attacked one another while the 'memorandum of understanding' was in force. President Trump has also lashed out at Oman as the country seeks a deal with Iran to manage shipping traffic through the strait, AP reported.
As Oman and Iran say they are nearing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said on social media Tuesday that the US blockade of Iranian ports remains "in full force and effect," but asserted that all water mines have been removed and that other marine traffic was free to pass.
