New front off the coast of Israel: region on the brink of escalation

An analytical article about the risks of escalation around Cyprus, which could become the center of a confrontation between Iran and the West, a territorial dispute between Turkey and Greece, and the Cyprus conflict. The material cites an analysis by retired Turkish Admiral Cihat Yaycı, highlighting three key processes: Iranian threats to British bases in Cyprus, a dispute over an underwater energy cable, and a meeting between representatives of the Greek and Turkish parts of the island.

An analytical piece based on the assessment of retired Turkish Admiral and Professor Cihat Yaycı warns of a new hotspot forming in close proximity to Israel. According to the article, Cyprus risks becoming the center of three interconnected regional confrontations. The first factor is a possible expansion of the conflict with Iran. Sources close to the Iranian regime suggest that in the event of new large-scale American strikes, Tehran may consider British military bases in Cyprus as potential targets. The author notes there is no information about a decision to attack these facilities, but the scenario itself demonstrates the proximity of the Middle East conflict's consequences to the island. The second source of tension is the underwater energy cable project between Crete and Cyprus. Greece, Cyprus, and France intend to continue its promotion, including seabed surveys. Turkey links this issue to a dispute over maritime borders, claiming that some work may be conducted in an area Ankara considers its continental shelf. Yaycı emphasizes that Turkey is not against the project, but against conducting work without considering its territorial claims. The third potential source of escalation is a meeting of representatives from the Greek and Turkish parts of Cyprus, scheduled for August 26. The key issue remains the political status of Northern Cyprus, recognized as a state only by Turkey. Yaycı considers it crucial in what capacity the representative of the Turkish part will participate in the talks, linking this to Ankara's attempts to gain recognition of Northern Cyprus's sovereign status. The article does not contain the editorial board's own assessments but recounts an external expert's analysis, which reduces the propaganda load but leaves room for selective quoting.