Iran launched a retaliatory drone and missile attack on Israel. Biden cut his weekend trip short to consult with his national security team and meet with top U.S. officials. The United States pledged full support for Israel’s defense against threats from Iran.
British fighter jets took off from RAF Akrotiri in Limassol to defend Israel against an Iranian drone attack.
British fighter jets have been deployed from Akrotiri bases in Cyprus to help with Israel’s defence against Iran’s attack.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the MSC Aries, in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is leased by MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. Tensions are rising in the region since Israel’s campaign in Gaza, with threats and warnings being issued by Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Yemen’s Houthi group has been disrupting global trade by attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea. The United States and Britain have responded with strikes against Houthi targets. The Joint Maritime Information Center has advised caution for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.
Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister George Papanastasiou and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Economy Taku Ishii expressed the joint wish to renew discussions on strengthening economic and business ties between Cyprus and Japan.
Fact: Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos expressed concern about a possible Iranian attack on Israel and the consequences it would have for Cyprus.
U.S. President Joe Biden warned Iran not to attack Israel, emphasizing Washington’s commitment to defend Israel. Israel prepared for a possible attack by Iran or its proxies following an airstrike in Damascus that killed an Iranian commander. The U.S. rushed warships into position to protect Israel and American forces in the region amid concerns of a potential Iranian attack. Other countries warned their citizens against travel to the region, and the U.S. was monitoring the situation closely.
President Christodoulides convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the potential implications of a new flare-up in the Middle East region, particularly between Iran and Israel. The meeting focused on preventive measures, including security at airports and ports, in case of increased flows of Syrian refugees and potential threats to Cyprus. The Government clarified that the meeting was not out of concern but to evaluate data and exchange opinions on the situation. There is no differentiation in security measures, and the Government’s main goal is to prevent escalation in the region. President Christodoulides’ invitation to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Lebanon is still under discussion.
The IRS released guidance on corporate bond monthly yield curve, applicable federal rates, and proposed regulations on production tax credit.
Fact: U.S. President Joe Biden warned Iran not to attack Israel and stated that the United States is committed to defending Israel.